Man burns 23-year-old whose husband beat him up, arrested

A man was arrested on Tuesday for setting ablaze a neighbour, whose husband had allegedly beaten him up a few days ago, in Kandivali (East). A friend of the 23-year-old woman also suffered burns. The accused, Sachin Gangaram Shigwan (29), has been booked for attempt to murder.

Police said the victim, Shraddha, is married to Shashikant Landge, an autorickshaw driver. They are residents of Sainath chawl in Wadarpada area of Kandivali (East) and Sachin has been their neighbour for several years. He was friends with the couple, said an officer.

According to the police, after Shigwan wife and son died, he had wanted to marry Shraddha. He would allegedly call them up separately and try to instigate fights between the two. Four months ago, Shashikant found out Sachin's ploy. Shigwan then told Shashikant that he was in love with Shraddha, an officer said. On December 9, Shashikant had a fight with Shigwan and beat him up. Residents of the area had intervened and resolved the matter, he added

"With revenge on his mind, Sachin decided to deface the victim," said inspector L G Shinde.

On Tuesday, Shraddha was watching television at her neighbour Minal Zamin's residence. Minal was washing clothes inside the house while another neighbour Shabana Shaikh (18) was with Shraddha.

Shraddha told the police that around 9.30 am, Shigwan barged into the house.

"Shabana got scared and ran out of the house," said an officer. Shigwan then locked door from inside and yelled at Shraddha, "Your husband disfigured my face, now I will disfigure yours", police said.

Minal intervened just as Shigwan whipped out a mosquito repellent and sprayed it at Shraddha, setting the spray aflame. Shraddha sought cover behind Minal, but her hair, back, and the nape of her neck suffered burns.

When Minal tried to stop him, Shigwan allegedly burnt her hands and face as well. The police said the women then pushed the accused aside, managed to unlatch the door and rushed out of the house. Shigwan fled the spot.

... contd.

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