Elderly woman sets herself on fire

Kolkata: An elderly woman reportedly committed suicide by setting herself on fire on Monday. The deceased identified as Lakshmi Mondal (90) lived with her grandson's family at Phoolbagan.

According to a source, Mondal lived with her grandson Babul and his family of three for long time in a shanty. It is alleged that Babul along with his wife and son resided in a room while the elderly woman stayed outside the room in an open space.

Mondal was reportedly was suffering from acute pain in her waist since long time. On the wee hours of Monday she set herself on fire by pouring kerosene. Babul woke up after he started feeling hot due to the flames and experienced a burning smell. However, he couldn't do anything as Mondal lied outside the room and was already in flames.

When he and other family members screamed for help, the neighbours rushed and poured water on Mondal's body to put out the flames.

Babul's son informed police about the incident. Police personnel from Phoolbagan police station arrived and recovered Mondal. She was rushed to the NRS Medical College and Hospital. While the doctors were attending her, Mondal reportedly said that she set herself on fire as she couldn't bear the pain in her waist and back.

In the afternoon, she succumbed to her burn injuries. Though no foul play could be detected, the police are investigating the case from all possible angles. An unnatural death case has been registered and no complaint has been lodged against anyone till Tuesday.