Dowry death: 19-year-old woman sets herself afire

New Delhi: In a suspected case of dowry death, a 19-year-old woman set herself ablaze in front of her brother in northwest Delhi’s Bhalswa Dairy area, police said today.

The incident took place on October 8 when the victim Mamata’s brother was visiting her. She allegedly went to the kitchen, poured petrol over her body and set herself afire, they said, adding that she died on the spot.

A case was registered against the victim’s husband Rahul following a complaint by the girl’s family.

A Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) inquiry was carried out in the incident and Rahul was arrested on October 9, police said.

Mamata and Rahul were staying in a rented accommodation in Bhalswa Dairy area.

The victim’s family members alleged that Rahul had been harassing her for dowry ever since they got married 11 months back. Rahul did not have a permanent job and used to work as an electrician in nearby houses sometimes, police said.

Her family also alleged that he used to beat Mamta and was addicted to alcohol, they added.