Mother-in-law sets fire to woman in Rangpur

A woman is battling for her life at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH ) after her mother-in-law allegedly set her on fire over a trifling matter in Dadan village under Pirgachha upazila in Rangpur on Thursday night.

The victim Tahmina Begum, 27, -- wife of Abdul Mannan of the village -- is a mother of two girls.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Quoting locals and victim's family members, police said Mannan locked into an altercation with his mother Alema Begum over a family issue on Thursday night. Tahmina also supported her husband and locked into that altercation with her mother-in-law.

At one stage, Alema, being furious with Tahmina, set her on fire by pouring kerosene on her body.

Hearing Tahmina's scream, neighbour rescued her and rushed her to Pirgachha Upazila Health Complex. Later, she was taken to RMCH on that night as her condition started deteriorating.

Tahmina's condition is critical as she has suffered 50 percent burn injuries, said doctors at RMCH.

Officer-in-Charge of Pirgachha Police Station Aminul Islam said Mostafa Hossain -- Tahmina's brother -- lodged a case accusing Mannan and Alema on Friday night.

Later, police arrested Mannan in RMCH on that night and have started a drive to arrest Alema, said the OC.

Mannan and his family members used to torture Tahmina for dowry since her marriage to him around 12 years ago, said the OC, quoting Tahmina's brother.