Police said Dattatraya, a resident of Uttamnagar slums in Kothrud, used to drink heavily, which led to frequent tiffs with his wife. On Sunday afternoon, Dattatraya came home drunk and asked for money. When she refused, Dattatraya allegedly started beating her up. Police sources say that he then poured kerosene over her and set her on fire. According to the FIR lodged with the Kothrud police, Dattatraya tried to put out the fire and sustained 20 per cent burns on his arms and legs.

Shashikala was rushed to Surya Hospital and Dattatraya to Sassoon Hospital. He has been charged with attempted murder under the IPC and the Kothrud police are conducting further investigations.