- A 32-year-old woman was allegedly set on fire by her husband and father-in-law in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district, India for not conceiving after 11 years of marriage, even though the husband’s sperm count was said to be low.
A 32-year-old woman was allegedly set on fire by her husband and father-in-law in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district. She is currently battling for her life at a private hospital in Agra, about 40 km from Firozabad.
The victim has been identified as Reema. The police have lodged a case against three people – her husband, father-in-law and sister-in-law – in connection with the incident. No arrests have been made so far.
Ashok Kumar, Reema’s brother, claimed his sister was thrashed and set ablaze by her husband and father-in-law on Sunday evening. The neighbours had informed Ashok Kumar’s family about her condition and they took her to the district hospital in critical condition, he was quoted as saying.
The woman’s family alleged that she was tortured by her husband, Ashu Kushwah, as she failed to conceive after 11 years of marriage. Ashu Kushwah’s sperm count was low but Reema’s in-laws blamed her for not being able to conceive, they claimed.
Reema’s family said she was also pressured by Ashu Kushwah for dowry (the amount of property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage). India is known for the practice of demanding dowry from the bride, which is a contrast to many civilizations which demand bride price from the prospective husband).
They family claimed they had paid Rs 4 lakh (about N2.7m) to her in-laws so that they would treat her well. However, there was no stop to the torture and harassment against her by in-laws, they alleged.
Police said a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the victim’s husband, father-in-law and sister-in-law for attempt to murder under (India Penal Code (IPC) section 307.