A 40-year-old woman tragically passed away during treatment at a hospital in Jodhpur after being set on fire at her home in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. This incident, which occurred on September 21, is under investigation following allegations against her husband and in-laws.

The victim, identified as Hina Behl, sustained severe burns covering over ninety per cent of her body after petrol was reportedly poured on her before she was ignited. After the incident, Hina was first admitted to Jawahir Hospital in Jaisalmer in critical condition. Subsequently, she was transferred to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur for more specialised care.

When she arrived at the hospital in Jaisalmer, she was reportedly unconscious, and as a result, she was unable to provide a statement to the authorities at that time. Hina succumbed to her injuries at approximately 8 am on Thursday. Following her death, a post-mortem examination was carried out by a medical board in Jodhpur. After this procedure, her body was returned to her family for final rites.

Allegations of Dowry Harassment

The family of Hina Behl has accused her husband, Bhagwanaram Behl, along with other in-laws, of subjecting her to ongoing dowry harassment, physical abuse, and superstitious practices. According to her father’s complaint, Purkharam Bhil, Hina married Bhagwanaram on June 29, 2012, and the initial phase of their marriage was marked by normal behaviour from her in-laws.

However, this reportedly changed, leading to increasing harassment over time. Hina’s family has made serious allegations that her sister-in-law, Amrita Devi, actively prevented her from having children, allegedly with the intention of seizing control over property that belonged to Hina’s ancestors. Further claims suggest that Hina was given certain medications and substances without her consent, with her family suspecting these were administered with the intent to induce abortions.

Additionally, the allegations include claims of being subjected to superstitious rituals. The family reported that she was taken to a local shrine to undergo various supposed occult practices. They also stated that she faced pressure regarding a demand for a car to be brought from her parental home, which contributed to the atmosphere of harassment.

Investigative Measures and Follow-Up Actions

Following the lodging of the complaint by Hina’s father, local police took immediate action. According to the Station House Officer, Bhagu Ram, relevant parties have been detained for questioning as part of the investigation. Those apprehended include Hina’s husband Bhagwanaram, her father-in-law Sonaram, mother-in-law Lasmo Devi, and sister-in-law Amrita Devi.

Authorities have indicated that they are comprehensively investigating all allegations surrounding the situation. A forensic science team and additional investigative units were dispatched to the location to gather any available evidence. The police are also closely examining the circumstances related to the incident on September 21 and the potential history of harassment that preceded it.

This distressing case has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence and dowry-related harassment prevalent in some areas of India, further underscoring the complexities surrounding such familial disputes.

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