• An auto rickshaw (keke) driver in Nashik, India has been arrested for allegedly setting a woman ablaze.
• The accused set the woman aflame after she stopped hiring his vehicle
An auto rickshaw (keke) driver in Nashik, India has been arrested for allegedly setting a woman ablaze after she stopped hiring his auto rickshaw. The driver was allegedly miffed at the woman over her decision to terminate use of his vehicle. The woman, who runs a business of saree (a kind of dress common in India), suffered severe injuries, about third degree burns during the incident.
The woman was identified as Bharati Gaund. Reportedly, the accused also suffered burns during the incident and fled from the spot. He was later caught and admitted to hospital.
Gaund’s elder sister Sushila also suffered 20 burn injuries as she tried to rescue her.
It was gathered that on Tuesday afternoon, Gaund went to Sushila’s house and during this time, the accused also went there. The accused allegedly started arguing with the 52-year-old woman and slapped her.
The accused asked the woman to step out of the flat and when she refused, he allegedly pulled out a bottle of kerosene-like liquid and threw it at her, according to The Times of India. The accused then lit a matchstick and threw it at Gaund.
Sushila rushed to rescue her sister from the flames and took her to the Nashik Civil Hospital. Reportedly, the accused fled from the spot after setting Gaund ablaze.
Assistant police inspector SB Chopade, who is also the investigating officer of the case, said that they found the accused at his relative’s house and took him to a hospital due to the injuries. As per Chopade, the accused and victim knew each other. Gaund often hired the accused’s auto rickshaw but had recently stopped taking his services. He added, “This could be the reason for him attempting to kill her. We are investigating further. “