A 16-year-old girl set herself afire at her Bhukailas Road residence in south Kolkata on Saturday after a reported altercation with her mother. Deepa Singh suffered 100 per cent burn injuries and was taken to the SSKM Hospital where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

It is learnt that Deepa was reprimanded by her mother, Sushila Devi, after she refused to prepare tea for her father. Following a short argument, Deepa locked her room and set herself on fire. After smoke began emanating from the room, the family called for help. When the door was broken, the body was found completely burnt, said police.

“The victim was taken to the SSKM hospital and admitted to the emergency ward. No suicide note was found. The family and the neighbours said the girl had attempted suicide last year too after slitting her wrists,” said O-C Mohammad Abdul Kade.