Woman sustains 90% burns, family alleges dowry demand by in-laws

According to the police, Seema Begum, from Narau village in Bulandshahr, was married to Gul Mohammad alias Gullu, from Manak Chowk area in Jewar.

A 28-year-old woman was allegedly burnt by her in-laws last week in Greater Noida’s Jewar for dowry, her family has claimed. The woman received 90% burns and is critical. The police have lodged an FIR, but have made no arrest even 10 days after the incident.

According to the police, Seema Begum, from Narau village in Bulandshahr, was married to Gul Mohammad alias Gullu, from Manak Chowk area in Jewar. (AP Photo)

According to the police, Seema Begum, from Narau village in Bulandshahr, was married to Gul Mohammad alias Gullu, from Manak Chowk area in Jewar.

On the night of August 16, Seema was admitted to Aligarh Medical College after she received burn injuries allegedly at her in-law’s place, the police said.

The police have booked seven persons from her in-laws’ family under sections 307 and 498A of the Indian Penal Code for attempt to murder and causing hurt to a woman, respectively.

According to her family, the woman was being tortured by her in-laws for dowry. They said that Mohammad was unemployed. The couple has three children who are currently under the guardianship of Seema’s brother Abrar Khan.

“We received a call around 11.30pm on August 16 from one of the neighbours of Seema’s in-laws saying she was being shifted to Aligarh Medical College after she was burnt. The doctors said that she has over 90% burn injuries and is critical. We think her in-laws burnt her for dowry,” Khan said.

The family of the woman has demanded justice.

“Seema used to tell us often that her in-laws have demanded ₹10 lakh from her even after ten years of marriage. They used to beat her and her husband had, of late, started drinking. Police have not made any arrests in this case so far,” Khan added.

Taking cognizance of the complaint, the Jewar police filed a FIR against Mohammad, his father Naseem Khan, his mother Sabra Begum and two of his sisters and brothers-in-law on August 18.

“The accused are on the run. Our investigation is going on,” SS Bhati, station house officer, Jewar police station, said.