Woman set afire for more dowry

Hyderabad, Dec. 23: A 24-year-old woman who was allegedly set ablaze by her brother-in-law died while undergoing treatment at Osmania General Hospital late on Tuesday.

Parents of the victim, Sapna Bai, have alleged that their daughter was harassed for more dowry by her in-laws. Sapna Bai’s parents, Mr Raju Singh and Ms Latha Bai, alleged that she was set afire by her brother-in-law, Sanjay Singh, after they refused to meet their demand.

Sapna is survived by an 11-month-old son and husband Santosh Singh.

Sapna, a resident of Mangalhat, was admitted to the hospital late on December 21 with 96 per cent burns and died at around 10 pm on Tuesday.

Sapna married Santosh Singh two years ago. Her parents said they had given five tolas gold, a tola of silver, a two-wheeler and household articles worth Rs 2.3 lakh as dowry to Santosh then. When the couple had a son, Santosh demanded Rs 1 lakh and Sapna’s parents obliged again.

However, relationships were strained when Santosh insisted that he get a share in the property belonging to Mr Raju Singh, which the latter refused.

Mr Raju Singh took Sapna back to their home at Dhoolpet.

Later, he took her back to Santosh’s house. Sanjay Singh allegedly set her afire in her bedroom.

The Mangalhat police has booked a dowry death case under Section 304 B against Santosh, his parents Ramveer Singh, Saraswathi Bai and brother Sanjay Singh.