In a shocking turn of events, investigators have confirmed that the fire that engulfed a Tempo Traveller carrying workers of Vyoma Graphics in Hinjewadi—killing four and injuring several—was not an accident but an act of arson. The driver, Janardan Hambardikar, deliberately set the vehicle on fire over unpaid wages and disputes with workers. 

Police revealed that Hambardikar, 56, poured a chemical inside the bus and ignited it before jumping out, leaving the passengers trapped. He has confessed to the crime and is currently in custody.

Hambardikar, a resident of Kothrud, had been working as a driver for the company. Frustrated over salary deductions during Diwali and feeling mistreated by certain workers, he planned the attack. On Tuesday, he took a one-litre bottle of benzene solution from the company and hid it under his seat along with rags used for wiping toner. The next morning, before picking up the workers, he bought a matchbox from Warje Malwadi.