LOCKPORT, NY (WKBW) – The operator of a Niagara Falls food truck accused of dousing a woman with an accelerant and then setting her on fire was back in court Friday.

Barinder Singh, 38, owner of the Indian Fusion food truck, has been charged with two serious crimes: assault with intent to cause serious injury and assault with intent to disfigure or dismember.

The victim, a 48-year-old woman from Niagara Falls, remains in critical condition in the burn unit at Erie County Medical Center.

A prosecutor told the court that Singh likely set the woman on fire because she stole $5 worth of goods from his truck.

A public defender who represented him at the trial said Singh “vehemently denies the allegations” and entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

But on Tuesday, a city court judge released him on parole.

The Niagara County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement that it immediately referred the case to a grand jury because it wanted a Niagara County judge to review the release.

At the hearing on Friday, a prosecutor argued that he should be remanded in custody because the victim had suffered serious injuries. The prosecutor said the woman remained in critical condition. According to the police report, she suffered burns to her head, body and arm.

Singh’s public defender said Singh would likely lose his business and livelihood if he were to remain in jail awaiting trial. The prosecutor pointed out that the city had revoked Singh’s business license for Indian Fusion.

Niagara County Judge John Ottaviano set bail at $100,000 cash or $200,000 surety.

Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman said, “I hope the bail set is sufficient.”

Singh’s public defender said he would not comment. Singh is in the process of hiring a private attorney.