Man set ablaze by stepmother for asking about father

A 25-year-old man was allegedly set ablaze by his stepmother for enquiring about his father in east Delhi’s Welcome area late on Friday night. 

The victim sustained 65 per cent burns and is admitted to a hospital.The victim Faheem drives an auto and lives with his mother Sanjeeda in Ghaziabad. His father Ilyas had deserted his mother sometime ago and married a woman Rani. He had been living with her in Welcome area.

Faheem, his mother and a friend Arshad visited Rani’s home at around 11.30 pm on Friday to meet Ilyas. 

Upon reaching there, they were faced by Rani who told them that Ilyas was away and could not meet them.

“My mother began asking Rani about my father upon which she lost her cool and began fighting with my mother and abusing her. She alleged that we were troubling her by repeatedly asking my father to return to our home,” said Faheem in his complaint.

When Faheem confronted her, Rani allegedly rushed inside her house and returned with a can containing a combustible liquid and doused him with it. 

She then lit a match and threw it at Faheem which immediately went up in flames.Seeing his friend burn, Arshad rushed to his help and tore his clothes to save him. He was helped by some locals who rushed to the spot and put out the fire.

The victim was rushed to Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital in Dilshad Garden where he was shifted into the ICU because of the extent of injuries. 

Police said he suffered burns to his face, arms, chest and his groin region. In all, he sustained 60-65 per cent burns injuries.

The hospital authorities informed the police upon which a team arrived at the spot and took down the statement of the victim. 

A case of attempt to murder was subsequently lodged against Rani at Welcome police station and a search launched for her. She is yet to be nabbed.