Ludhiana, Dec. 6 -- Three persons have been booked on charges of setting ablaze a brand-new Swift car near a liquor vend in Shimlapuri, police said on Friday. The incident, which occurred a few weeks ago, was initially thought to be accidental until CCTV footage revealed deliberate sabotage, they added.

According to police, car owner Rahul, a resident of Basant Nagar, had parked his new car near a vend in Shimlapuri when he received a late-night call informing him that the vehicle was on fire. By the time he reached the spot, the car was completely engulfed in flames, despite locals' efforts to control the blaze.

Rahul initially suspected a short circuit, but CCTV footage showed individuals throwing a flammable substance on the car befo...