UP: Woman Set Ablaze By Son And Daughter-In-Law Over Family Dispute

A 58-year-old woman set on fire allegedly by her son and daughter-in-law. The incident happened in Jalalabad area of Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, November 2, 2020. The woman, identified as Ratna Devi, was set ablaze by son Akash Gupta, wife Deep Shikha because of a family dispute. Akash’s parents-in-law were also involved in the crime, according to the police.

According to a report by NDTV, Police Officer Aparna Gautam said that when the woman was set on fire, hearing her screams, the local people came to her rescue. They admitted her in a medical college and informed the police.

Gautam also informed that the condition of the woman is critical. An FIR was lodged at the Police Station by her other son, Krishna Gupta. The probe on the case is underway. Meanwhile, the SP confirmed that the suspects, Akash Gupta and two others have been detained.

Also Read: Why Must Elderly Care Rest Solely With A Daughter-In-Law?

Recently, another incident of crime against a mother-in-law was reported from Hyderabad. An elderly woman was being assaulted by her daughter-in-law and the accused’s mother over a family dispute. The incident was captured in a CCTV, the footage went viral and attracted a nationwide outrage. In the video,  the daughter-in-law dragged her 55-year-old mother-in-law by the hair and slapped her. Then the daughter-in-law and her mother together kicked and punched the 55-year-old woman. The Police informed that both the daughter-in-law and the mother-in-law earlier filed complaints of assault against each other.

Then in September 2020, shocking news from Delhi revealed that a 90-year-old woman was reportedly raped and assaulted by a 37-year-old man in Najafgarh area. The accused, Sonu worked as a plumber in Delhi. According to reports, the accused took the woman along with him in the pretence of helping her get daily milk. Instead, he took her to a farm and raped her. Read the full report here.

Case of assault against the elderly in India has seen a significant rise since the last year. According to a 2019 survey conducted by an NGO working for the rights of the elderly, every second senior citizen is being harassed and abused either by the family members or others. 71 per cent of senior citizens in India are being harassed and humiliated by their own family members.