Mumbai woman refuses to give her phone, husband sets her on fire

The couple had a heated argument, after which the accused bought a bottle of kerosene and set his wife on fire.

A woman was set on fire by her husband after she refused to give him her cell phone at Ulhasnagar on Monday.

The woman has suffered 60% burns, and is recuperating at a civil hospital. (HT)

The man, identified as Santoshkumar Shaikh,38, is a resident of Azadnagar in Ulhasnagar. Shaikh works as a mechanic in Ulhasnagar, while his wife worked as a house help.

The woman, Shami Santoshkumar Shaikh,36 , has suffered 60% burns, and is recuperating at a civil hospital.

On Monday evening, the couple had a heated argument over household issue, following which Santoshkumar demanded to see Shami’s mobile phone . “Shami refused to hand over her phone to her husband, and told him that she is going for work. Santoshkumar got angry, and purchased a bottle of kerosene from a local shop ” said a police officer from Central police station.

When Shami was on her way to work, Santoshkumar stopped her, and the couple had another argument over the mobile phone. Santoshkumar then poured the kerosene all over her and set her on fire.

“Shami cried for help but the accused fled the spot. Later, the locals alerted us and rushed her to a hospital. We have recorded her statement and found that the couple was married three months ago, and was going through personal problems. The search for the accused is on. We suspect he may be hiding at his native place. Once it is confirmed, will send a team”, said V Dolas, senior police inspector from Central police station.

Santoshkumar has been booked under section 307( attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code.