Three held for pouring kerosene on 20-year-old; setting her ablaze

New Delhi: Three persons were arrested today for allegedly pouring kerosene on a 20-year-old girl and setting her on fire, when she resisted their advances in northwest Delhi's Bhalswa Dairy area, police said.

Abhishek, his uncle Vijay, and one of their friends allegedly poured kerosene on the victim and set her ablaze. She sustained severe burns as a result and is stated to be in a critical condition at Safdarjung Hospital, they said.

The accused, along with their friends used to "harass" her, who happens to be a resident of Mukundpur area in northwest Delhi, a senior officer said.

Initially, the girl ignored them but when the stalking continued, she complained to her family. Her brother threatened the accused, who came to attack the girl's family in return.

In the scuffle that ensued, the girl's brother also sustained head injuries and has been hospitalised, police said.

In December last year, the Malwani police arrested a 28-year-old carpenter for allegedly raping a 21-year-old and then setting her ablaze. Cops suspected that the girl had been raped before she was set on fire by the accused, whose identity was ascertained later. The latter denied both charges and said they had had consensual sex. (Read more)

In December 2014, an 18-year-old girl was set on fire allegedly by a jilted lover in Howrah district. She was doused with kerosene before a burning match-stick was thrown on her, allegedly by a local youth in her house. (Read more)
-With inputs from agencies