Belagavi woman dies of burns, cops forced to file case

Belagavi: Massive protests were held in Belagavi after the news of a woman being set afire by her husband at Bhagya Nagar spread across the city. Several agitators also stoned the house of the accused.

The woman, Rekha Chougale, who was doused with kerosene and later allegedly set afire by her husband, died of burns at the Government Hospital late on Sunday. Hundreds of people staged a dharna in front of the police commissioner’s office demanding the immediate arrest of Sandeep Chougale, the husband, and disciplinary action against sub-inspector of Women’s Police Station, Jaishree Mane.

After Rekha was rushed to the hospital with 60 per cent burns, their daughter alleged that her father had an illicit relationship with another woman and had set her mother on fire. Rekha’s family members alleged that Jaishree refused to file an FIR and arrest Sandeep immediately after they approached the police.

Jaishree told them that she needed to take the permission of her superiors before arresting Sandeep. Under pressure from the protesters, a case was registered and Sandeep was arrested on Monday.