7-month pregnant woman set on fire by husband & in-laws in Delhi, DCW writes to cops

The shocking incident is yet another reminder of increasing crimes against women.

New Delhi, Jan 09: In yet another reminder of increasing number of crimes against women, a 7-month pregnant woman was set on fire by husband and in-laws by pouring petrol in Bawana.

The woman suffered serious burn injuries and is undergoing treatment at hospital.

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Chairperson, Swati Maliwal, said in a tweet, that the women's panel has issued a notice to the Delhi Police in this regard.

"In Bawana, the husband and in-laws of a seven months pregnant woman set her ablaze after pouring petrol on her. The woman sustained severe burn injuries and is now undergoing treatment at a hospital. We have issued a notice to Delhi Police. We are also providing all possible help to the victim. Crimes are increasing in Delhi", DCW chief Swati Maliwal tweeted in Hindi.

According to police, the incident took place on Friday night when Khusboo, who is seven months pregnant, her husband Veer Pratap and a boy were sitting by a bonfire to keep themselves warm in the cold.

"Injured Khusboo is seven months pregnant and is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung hospital. Her husband Veer Pratap had also suffered burn injuries. As per victim's statement, she was burnt after a boy threw paint thinner into bonfire near which she was sitting," Delhi police was quoted saying by ANI.

"Victim's brother alleged that she was being harassed by her in-laws and was burnt by them. The case was brought to the notice of SDM Narela," they said.

"We got married in April 2022 and I am pregnant now. My husband burnt me with paint thinner after I refused to return the jewellery his family had gifted me during our wedding ceremony," said Khusboo.

"We were sitting beside the fire, and as it emanated smoke a boy put thinner into the fire to re-ignite it. Immediately the flames got big and her (Khusboo) suit and my pant caught fire. I didn't do anything that she is accusing me of," said Veer Pratap, Khusboo's husband.

"FIR to be registered under sections 307 and 498A IPC. The woman's (who has accused her husband of burning her in Bawana) husband is still in the hospital due to burn injuries. Therefore, no arrest made as of now," said Delhi police.

This incident has come to light at a time when the nation is shocked over the horrific accident that occurred on New Year night in Delhi where a 20-year-old girl was killed after being dragged for kms on Sunday.