A 30-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries in Kolkata on Monday, two days after she was allegedly set on fire in the Maidan area in a case that has shocked the city. The victim, who had suffered nearly 90 per cent burns, died at SSKM Hospital after battling for her life.
Before her death, the woman managed to record a dying declaration with the police, which proved crucial in identifying and arresting the accused. Authorities have since taken Siddhartha Chariwal into custody and initiated further legal proceedings.
Lured Under Pretext Of Job Meeting
According to the police complaint, the accused allegedly lured the victim to a secluded location near Babughat under the pretext of a job interview or meeting. Once there, an argument reportedly broke out between the two.
Investigators state that the situation escalated dramatically, with the accused allegedly pouring kerosene on the woman and setting her on fire. Passersby, along with personnel from the Maidan Police Station, rushed to her aid and ensured she was taken to hospital at the earliest.
Despite medical efforts, the severity of her injuries left her in critical condition until she passed away.
Family Alleges Prior Harassment, Motive Under Probe
The victim’s family has revealed disturbing details about her interactions with the accused prior to the incident. Her mother stated that the accused had previously pressured her daughter into marriage and had also offered her a job, both of which she declined.
She cited religious differences and personal reasons for refusing his advances, following which he allegedly continued to pursue her. On the day of the incident, the victim had informed her family she was stepping out for a job interview, but soon became unreachable.
The family was later informed by police that she had been found severely burnt near Babughat. In her final statement, the victim reportedly named Chariwal as the attacker.
Murder Charges To Be Added As Probe Intensifies
Based on the victim’s statement, police tracked and arrested the accused from the Beleghata area. He was produced before the Bankshall Court, where his bail plea was rejected.
The case was initially registered under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempted murder. However, following the victim’s death, public prosecutor Arup Chakraborty confirmed that the charges would be upgraded to murder after the post-mortem report.
Investigators are now working to establish the precise motive behind the attack, including whether it stemmed from a rejected relationship or other disputes. Authorities are also examining why the victim was directed to the Babughat area instead of her stated interview location.
As the investigation continues, the case has once again raised concerns over crimes against women and the dangers posed by coercion disguised as employment opportunities.