India, Nov. 7 -- A 20-year-old man was tied to a pole and set on fire following a dispute over where to offer prayers inside a mosque in Badaun district, media reports said on Friday.

The victim, identified as Mehboob, survived the attack and is currently recovering at a hospital in Aligarh. His condition is said to be stable.

Other worshippers reportedly settled the initial disagreement on Thursday. However, tensions flared again the next morning when Mehboob returned to offer prayers.

Police said that as he stepped outside the mosque, three men allegedly overpowered him, tied him to a pole, doused him with petrol, and set him ablaze.

The ropes soon burned away, allowing Mehboob to escape with severe burn injuries. His family rushed ...