Woman who set herself ablaze outside civic headquarters dies

Renuka Ravindra Mahadik (25) who set herself on fire on Monday in front of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s headquarters succumbed to her burns at 12.10 pm on Thursday at JJ Hospital.

Renuka Ravindra Mahadik (25) who set herself on fire on Monday in front of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s headquarters succumbed to her burns at 12.10 pm on Thursday at JJ Hospital.

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Mahadik was rushed to GT Hospital and then moved to JJ Hospital as her burns were extensive.

“Doctors at JJ said that she had 70 to 75 per cent extensive and deep burns on her body. Her body has been sent for a post mortem,” said additional municipal commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar.

Renuka’s relatives alleged that her husband, Ravindra Mahadik, who was a BMC employee, had died on-duty a year-and-a-half ago and she was not given a compensatory employment from the BMC, which is mandatory.

The civic body has commissioned an internal inquiry to find out whether Mahadik was eligible for a job in place of her husband.

The inquiry will also determine if the civic body owed Mahadik any money such as her husband’s salary or provident fund. Mahadik was a motor loader in the K/East (Andheri) ward and had died on November 21, 2008.

Police will investigate the concerned civic authorities to verify the allegations.

“Once the inquiry is conducted the necessary actions will be taken,” added Ms Mhaiskar.

Meanwhile Mayor Shraddha Jadhav said that any pending dues would be cleared immediately.