19-yr-old woman sets herself on fire, dowry death suspected

In a suspected case of dowry death, a 19-year-old woman set herself ablaze before her brother in northwest Delhi's Bhalswa Dairy area, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place on October 8 when the victim Mamata’s brother had visited her. She allegedly went to the kitchen, poured petrol over her body and set herself afire, they said, adding that she died on the spot.

A case was registered against the victim's husband Rahul, following a complaint by the woman’s family.

A Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) inquiry was carried out into the incident and Rahul was arrested on October 9, police said, adding that investigation was underway. 

Mamata and Rahul used to live in a rented accommodation in the Bhalswa Dairy area.

The victim's family members alleged that Rahul had been harassing her for dowry ever since they got married 11 months ago, police said. 

According to the police, Rahul did not have a permanent job and used to work as an electrician in nearby houses sometimes.

Her family also alleged that he used to beat Mamta and was addicted to alcohol, they added.