Woman immolates self, alleges abuse, torture by in-laws
NEW DELHI: A 28-year-old woman set herself ablaze inside her room in southeast Delhi’s Govindpuri area on Sunday morning.
While Archana sustained 60% burns, her husband Lalit Gupta sustained burn injuries on his hands and arms when he tried to save her. He rushed her to Safdurjung hospital where both have now been admitted for treatment.
Archana Gupta told the police that she was being tortured, abused and assaulted by her in-laws, which is why she took the extreme step. Archana, who has been married to Lalit Gupta for the past 10 years and is a mother to an 8-year-old girl, locked herself in a room and poured kerosene over her. She then lit a matchstick and immolated herself. Lalit then broke open the door and tried to douse the fire.
The incident came to light after the neighbours heard loud cries from Gupta’s residence and informed the police.
“We recorded an initial statement of the woman who alleged that while her husband was supportive, her mother-in-law, father-in-law and brother-in-law used to torture her. She alleged that they demanded dowry even after 10 years of her marriage and threatened that they would get another bride for their son. She also said that the family pressured her to give birth to a male child,” a senior police officer said.
“Archana’s family also alleged that she was unhappy in her marriage because her in-laws even abused and physically assaulted on her several occasions. Her in-laws insulted her in public and before their relatives, which she could not take and she often spoke of ending her life,” he added.
Based on the woman’s statement, the police have registered a case in the matter and have summoned her in-laws to join the investigation.
“We have recorded detailed statements of the woman’s family. Her statement will also be recorded once she is fit for statement. We have summoned her in-laws for questioning and arrests will be made once the allegations are verified. The matter is under investigation,” a senior police officer said.