A 50-year-old widower set ablaze his 35-year-old sister-in-law and eight other family members, while they were asleep late on Monday, because she refused to live with him. Sumitra died in the hospital. Seven others, including her three children, are undergoing treatment. Condition of at least two was reported to be critical.

The incident took place in Maheshwar village of Raisen district where Dahiram, the youngest brother of accused Kancherilal was staying with Sumitra and other family members.

Police said Sumitra left her husband, Munnalal, because he was mentally unsound. She and her children lived with Kancherilal for some time. Later, she moved with Dahiram in Maheshwar village. Kancherilal spent three days in jail for trying to attack Sumitra with an axe. He has suffered 40 per cent burns.