NEW DELHI, April 24: The woman who was burnt to death in her Nandnagri house on April 19 is believed to have been killed by her ``husband'' for dowry. He has been admitted to GTB Hospital with 65 per cent burns.Beera Devi, mother of the deceased, has stated that Neetu's `husband' had been harassing her for dowry.
However, the case has become complicated as the police are not sure if the deceased and the man who claims to be her husband are legally married.The woman was reportedly living with a man -- her cousin, Rich Pal -- after having separated from her husband four years ago.
On April 19, both Neetu and Rich Pal were rushed to the GTB hospital with burn injuries. While Neetu had sustained 95 percent burns, Rich Pal received 65 per cent burns.
In his statement to the police, Rich Pal had said that the incident occurred while Neetu was making dinner for the family in their Nandnagri house. He said that he had sustained injuries while attempting to save Neetu.
However, Beera Devi, in her statement to SDM AK Singh, has accused Rich Pal and his sister and parents of foul play. The SDM has directed the Nandnagri police to look into the case again. The police also have to examine whether Neetu and her cousin Rich Pal were actually living as man and wife.
Meanwhile, the Nandnagri police have registered a case under Section 304 B.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
