He said that two other cars, also belonging to Indians, that were parked next to his vehicle, were also damaged during the incident. "We were sleeping when it all happened.

We heard the fire alarm of the car. When we went out to see what happened we saw the cars on fire," Ratan told PTI. He said that it could have been done by a group of drug addicts who used to sit near the premises.

"I believe they (addicts) probably first tried to open the car. Then they may have used a petrol can to set it ablaze.

" Ratan, originally from Ludhiana who came here a month ago to pursue a certificate course in Automotive Engineering, said that there was no chance of a short circuit that could have burnt the car in this cold weather. He said he had bought the vehicle a few days ago for 2500 dollars and now he was left with no money.