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The Indian Express

MUMBAI: The RCF police on Saturday arrested three members of a family from Chembur on charges of harassment and attempt to murder after a woman alleged that the accused set her afire on February 18.

Twenty-nine-year-old Sangeeta Gupta, who sustained 95 per cent burns and was admitted to Mesina Hospital, alleged that she was harassed by her husband, brother-in-law and father-in-law constantly for dowry and was taunted about her short height and looks.

The victim hails from Shankar Nagar in Chembur and stayed with her husband Ramesh who was in sale and repairs of car batteries. The couple lived on the ground floor of their house while Ramesh's elder brother Dinesh occupied the first floor. Ramesh's parents stayed with them.

In her statement, Sangeeta told us that she was married to Ramesh since nine years and had one son and two daughters. Sangeeta has alleged that she was harassed by Ramesh, his brother and father over dowry. The family also taunted her about her looks and short height, said sub inspector Vishwanath Jadhav of RCF police station.

Sangeeta told the police that on February 18, past midnight, Ramesh, Dinesh and their father Gangaprasad poured kerosene on her and set her ablaze.

We have recovered half a litre kerosene from the spot. But the family members maintain that she accidentally caught fire while cooking. Dinesh told us that none of his family members was present in the house at the time of the incident, said Jadhav.

Ramesh, Dinesh and Gangaprasad have been arrested under Sections 498 (A) and 307 of the Indian Penal Code for harassment and attempt to murder and have been remanded to police custody till February 25.