SLEEPING WOMAN SET ABLAZE WITH PETROL

SLEEPING WOMAN SET ABLAZE WITH PETROL

21-APRIL-ENG 14

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------An arson incident that occurred a week ago in Nahsi village, under the jurisdiction of the Garhani police station in Bhojpur, has taken a grave turn. Maya Devi, a 45-year-old woman who had been battling for her life at a private hospital in Patna, passed away on Sunday. The deceased's daughter has leveled sensational allegations against neighbors, accusing them of deliberately setting the fire with the intent to murder; consequently, tension now prevails in the area.

The deceased's daughter, Sandhya Kumari, stated that the incident took place on the night of April 11. While her parents—Basant Kumar Ram and Maya Devi—were sleeping in their room, the accused, who were lying in ambush, sprayed petrol through the window and set the room on fire. The flames completely engulfed Maya Devi. When her husband rushed to save her and open the door, he too sustained burn injuries in the tragic accident.

According to family members, this entire incident is the result of a dispute dating back a year and a half. Sandhya revealed that a hearing for an old case was scheduled at the Ara Court on April 8. Inside the court premises itself, the accused party had issued a threat, warning: "You people have become intent on fighting this case; we will burn you alive." It is alleged that this horrific crime was executed just three days after this threat was issued.

The victim's family claims that the accused had also attempted to kidnap Sandhya and her sister some time ago—an incident for which an FIR had already been registered. Despite receiving continuous threats, the family was not provided with security cover; as a result, the perpetrators acted with impunity and ultimately carried out this heinous crime.

Following the woman's death, her family members are inconsolable with grief. Upon receiving information about the incident, the police immediately launched an investigation, recognizing the gravity of the matter. Based on the statement provided by the deceased's husband and the allegations made by her daughter, the police are now conducting raids to apprehend the named accused individuals. The body will be handed over to the family members following the post-mortem examination.