UP woman set on fire for resisting rape bid

GORAKHPUR: A 35-year-old widow was set on fire after she foiled an alleged rape bid by a local youth in Bhatni area of Deoria on Saturday morning, police said.

The woman had gone to attend nature’s call along with her two minor children when a local from the same village allegedly tried to rape her. When she offered resistance and tried to shout for help, he allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire. Locals rushed to help her following which she was rushed to district hospital.

The accused, identified as Dilip Rajbhar alias Tarzon, meanwhile managed to flee.

She suffered 90% burns and her condition was critical. Both her children, who suffered burns while trying to douse the flames, were also given treatment.

After her statement before the magistrate, the district superintendent of police ordered registration of a case. Police have launched a hunt after registering a First Information Report.

The victim told the police that the accused tried to molest her in the past also, but her complaint was not taken seriously by the police.

“A case under sections 376 (punishment for rape), 511 (punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment) and 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) has been lodged and two teams have been formed to find the accused,” said senior superintendent of police

Shishyapal Singh.

Later in the evening, she was referred to Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur as she showed no signs of improvement. “Her condition continues to be critical with 90% burn which is serious. Next 24 hours are critical,” said a doctor treating her.

“We don’t know if she would survive,” said her brother.