Woman who was set on fire by husband dies at Kerala hospital

Couple were living separately and also had a divorce petition pending

AKerala man burnt his wife to death after dousing her with petrol in full view of the public.

The incident happened on Sunday at Vellikulangara near Thrissur, when the man, identified as Viraj, poured petrol on his wife Jeethu, 29, and then set her afire.

The grievously injured woman was taken to the medical college hospital, but she succumbed to burn injuries yesterday. The two were living separately, and also had a divorce petition pending in the family court.

Self-help group

Reports said Jeethu had gone for a meeting of Kudumbasree, a local self-help group, where she had to offer an explanation regarding a Rs25,000 (Dh1,379) loan that she had availed from the group.

The attack happened as she emerged from the meeting.

There are allegations that those present at the scene did not show urgency in helping her. Witnesses were quoted as saying there was no one to help her, and she was taken to hospital only after her father reached the spot.

According to reports, Viraj was waiting outside the room where the self-help group members met, and when Jeethu came out he threw petrol on her and set her afire. Jeethu’s stunned colleagues made a retreat as the attack happened and Viraj fled from the scene.

Among those who witnessed the incident was a local panchayat member. Police are on the lookout for Viraj.