Indian man charged over false claim he was assaulted, set on fire

AN Indian man who told police he was set on fire by a gang of men has been charged with making a false report to authorities.

AN Indian man who told police he was attacked and set on fire by a gang of four men has been charged with making a false report to authorities and criminal damage for financial gain.

Jaspreet Singh last month stated to police he was pushed against his car in the Melbourne suburb of Essendon, had petrol poured on him before he was set alight. His car caught fire and exploded and Mr Singh spent weeks in hospital recovering from burns over his upper body and face.

The incident made headlines in the Indian press, coming in the wake of the murder of 21-year-old Nitin Garg in Melbourne. Mr Garg, an accounting student, was stabbed to death in West Footscray. The killing led the Indian government to issue a travel warning to students.

Victoria Police confirmed Mr Singh faced was arrested yesterday and faced an out of sessions court hearing this morning on the charges. He was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 15 March.

Police have also interviewed and released a 28-year-old female and indicated they may make further inquiries.