In a tragic and deeply unsettling incident in Gurugram, a 21-year-old delivery boy lost his life after reportedly falling headfirst into a portable coal heater while sleeping in an intoxicated state. The deceased, identified as Manzoor Alam, hailed from Udi Pukhru village in West Bengal’s South Dinajpur district and had been living in Gurugram for the past four years in pursuit of livelihood. The incident, which occurred late Monday night and came to light early Tuesday, has left the local community shocked and has prompted the police to launch an investigation. While the authorities are initially treating the case as an accident, the victim’s family has expressed suspicions of foul play, adding further complexity to the unfolding case.

Manzoor, employed as a delivery worker, resided in an EWS (economically weaker sections) room near Malibu Towne in Gurugram. According to the preliminary information provided by the police and attributed to a PTI report, he had been sleeping after consuming alcohol with two companions. What transpired afterward led to a horrifying discovery that has raised numerous questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Manjeet Kumar, who is overseeing the investigation, Manzoor was found in a disturbing state inside his rented room. His lower body remained on the bed, but his upper body had slumped over into a brazier, a portable coal-based heater commonly used in cold weather. The brazier contained burning coals, and a portion of Manzoor’s head was severely burnt. Police believe he may have accidentally slipped or lost consciousness in such a way that he fell directly into the heater, leading to fatal burn injuries. His body was subsequently sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause and timing of death.

The sequence of events leading up to the tragedy begins earlier that night when Manzoor, along with his friend Aman and a third individual, reportedly consumed alcohol in the room. The third person eventually left late in the night, leaving only Manzoor and Aman behind. Manzoor’s maternal uncle, Rizaul, who also resides in a nearby room, shared insight into the victim’s last hours. As per his account, he had dinner with Manzoor around 11 pm and observed that the young men were drinking. Nothing unusual seemed amiss at the time, according to him. However, the uncle believes there is more to the story than what is being suggested.

According to Rizaul, it was Aman who informed him at around 5 am on Tuesday that Manzoor had suffered burn injuries after allegedly falling into the brazier while asleep. The timing, he stated, raised doubts in his mind. He claimed that certain details surrounding the incident did not seem consistent and that the possibility of foul play could not be discounted. He voiced concern regarding why such a severe mishap would occur without any immediate reaction from the friend who was reportedly sleeping beside Manzoor. In his view, this lack of clarity deserves closer scrutiny. The police have acknowledged his concerns but have maintained that the next steps will depend heavily on the findings of the autopsy.

ASI Manjeet Kumar confirmed that Manzoor and his friends had indeed been drinking in the room that night. Alcohol intoxication can render individuals unconscious or less aware of their surroundings, making them more vulnerable to accidents. Police currently believe that such an altered state may have contributed to Manzoor’s inability to protect himself when he slipped or leaned into the burning heater. However, the investigative officer has also stated that all angles will be examined and appropriate action will follow once the forensic and medical reports are available.

The use of braziers, though common in low-income households, especially during the winter months, has been known to carry significant risks. These traditional coal-based heaters can cause accidental burns, fire outbreaks, and even carbon monoxide poisoning if used in poorly ventilated spaces. In Manzoor’s case, it appears that a combination of intoxication and close proximity to the heater may have had deadly consequences. Yet, the peculiar posture in which the body was discovered has left enough room for speculation and concern.

The community in the vicinity of Malibu Towne and the EWS cluster where Manzoor lived is reportedly disturbed by the nature of the incident. Many residents have expressed sympathy for the young man who had come to Gurugram seeking better opportunities but met an untimely death under tragic circumstances. Those who knew him described Manzoor as a hardworking individual who had been supporting his family back in West Bengal. His relatives were notified soon after the incident and are expected to arrive for the final rites once the body is handed over by the authorities.

Meanwhile, the police are piecing together the timeline of events and gathering statements from individuals who may have been present or aware of the situation. Aman, the friend who was reportedly the last person with Manzoor, is expected to be questioned thoroughly. Investigators will likely analyze whether his account matches the physical evidence collected from the scene. The post-mortem report is expected to shed light on whether the burns were indeed the cause of death or if other factors, such as injury or intoxication levels, contributed to Manzoor’s demise.

The incident also highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers who often live in cramped rooms with inadequate heating or safety measures. Many rely on hazardous methods to keep warm during north India’s harsh winters. Safety awareness and access to better resources could help prevent such tragic accidents in the future.

As the investigation continues, Manzoor Alam’s death remains shrouded in ambiguity. Whether it was a misfortune brought on by intoxication and unsafe heating equipment or an event influenced by darker circumstances is a question that only a thorough examination of the evidence can answer. For now, the police maintain that they are treating the case as an accident, but they have assured that no possibility will be dismissed prematurely.

Manzoor’s family, meanwhile, is left grappling with grief and uncertainty. His uncle’s suspicions reflect the anguish and confusion that often accompany such sudden and inexplicable losses. Until clearer answers emerge from the official investigation, the tragedy stands as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by many migrant labourers who shoulder the burdens of survival under harsh conditions.

The coming days will be crucial as the authorities await the post-mortem findings and continue gathering testimonies. For a young man who journeyed far from home in search of a livelihood, the circumstances of his final moments paint a heartbreaking picture. Whether accidental or otherwise, his death underscores the need for greater safety measures, better living conditions, and more vigilance in environments where risks often go unnoticed until it is too late.