Man sets wife on fire at in-laws'

Refused to sleep in same room with her husband

 A 32-year-old man allegedly set his wife ablaze in north Delhi when she refused to sleep along with him during a visit to her parent’s home. The victim’s family and neighbours doused the fire and rushed her to a hospital.She is said to be out of danger. The accused is absconding.

The victim’s family has alleged that he was drunk at the time of the incident that took place following a birthday celebration.

Monika, 30, was married to Ashu Kapoor about 10 years ago, but they had a strained relationship over the past few months, the victim’s sister Reena said in her statement to police.

The couple lives in east Delhi’s Chander Nagar but was on a visit to Bara Hindu Rao to celebrate the birthday of the woman’s nephew on Sunday. Reena told police that the couple consumed alcohol during the party.

The party ended around midnight after which Monika’s mother retired to her room. Monika wanted to be with her mother that night, but Ashu wanted her to sleep with him.
“My sister refused to oblige him upon which the couple began a verbal fight. Ashu threatened to kill Monika if she did not sleep with him,” Reena said.

Amidst the argument, Ashu suddenly entered the kitchen and brought out a can of kerosene oil and emptied it on Monika. He then allegedly dragged Monika downstairs and set her ablaze.

“We heard Monika cry out for help and rushed downstairs to find that Ashu had fled while my sister was on fire. I doused the flames with the help of neighbours and rushed her to Hindu Rao Hospital,” said Reena.

Police were informed and they reached the hospital to take down the victim’s statement. However, the victim was found unfit to talk to police after which Reena’s statement was recorded and a case of attempt to murder filed against Ashu. A raid at his home in Chander Nagar revealed that he had absconded.