Man sets 4 of his family,guest on fire

According to the Kalyan police,Pandav was a habitual drinker. “Pandav was ousted from his house two months ago due to his drinking habit. He returned a fortnight ago and pleaded with his family members to allow him to stay with them. He had also promised them that he would stop consuming alcohol. However,he didn’t stop the habit of consuming alcohol leading to more frequent fights in the family,” said police sub-inspector Dilip Salunkhe of the Kalyan police station.

On Monday afternoon,Pandav got into an argument with his wife and left the house. He came home around 2.00 am on Tuesday and had food. “After that,he left the house again. He returned after two hours with a flaming torch in his hand and set wife Ashabai (48) and four daughters on fire,” Salunke said.

Ashabai and her three daughters Moni (17),Rani (15) and Kiran (14) suffered severe burns in the incident. One of their relatives Kavita (13) who had come to reside at their place also suffered burn injuries. Pandav’s son Rajesh (25) who was sleeping in another room along with his wife heard screams and raised an alarm. Soon neighbours gathered and rushed the victims to a government-run hospital in Ulhasnagar. However,after the conditions of the victims started deteriorating,they were rushed to Sion Hospital. “Pandav fled the spot soon after the incident. We have formed three teams to trace him,” said Salunkhe.

While Ashabai sustained 83 per cent burns,Moni sustained 70 per cent and Rani 63 per cent burns. Kiran and Kavita sustained 43 per cent and 95 per cent burns respectively. “Pandav was a labourer but has not been working for a long time. Ashabai used to work as a domestic help to support the family. We have registered an attempt to murder case against Pandav,” Salunke added.