Pregnant Woman Allegedly Set On Fire By Husband, Police Files FIR

A seven-month pregnant woman was allegedly set on fire by her husband and suffered 20-30 percent burn injuries on both hands, legs, face and chest.

Initially, the woman, identified as Khusboo had told the investigating officer that the incident was caused by a bonfire in the house and no case was registered. However, the 26-year-old later alleged to the police that her husband, Veer Pratap, was harassing her and set her ablaze during a fight.

Police said that the accused has been booked under Indian Penal Code under sections of attempted murder and cruelty against women (by husband) but has not been arrested yet.

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Pregnant Woman Set On Fire

According to the police, Khusboo, a resident of Bawana, Delhi initially informed the police that the family was sitting outside near a bonfire due to the cold weather. She claimed that one of the family members poured paint thinner into the fire when it was about to extinguish. Khusboo initially said that the flames grew "intense" and she sustained burns.

The woman was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital for her injuries, Police said her husband also suffered injuries on his legs and left hand is at the same hospital. Doctors say that the pregnant woman and her baby are critical.

According to police sources, the woman later revealed that she was allegedly harassed by her husband and lied to due to "pressure" from her in-laws.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) said the woman's brother also alleged that she was being harassed by her in-laws. The couple got married in August 2022 and the woman stated that her husband is the culprit. The DCP added that no allegations were made against the in-laws yet.

The woman's brother also approached the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) alleging that the couple regularly fought over money. He alleged that the husband set the pregnant woman ablaze and when locals saw him, he panicked and tried to douse the fire and got burnt.

Swati Maliwal, chairperson of the DCW tweeted that the women's panel issued notice to the Delhi police regarding the incident. She wrote, "We've issued notice to Delhi police & providing all help to victim".