A 28-year-old woman died in Delhi's Rohini area on Wednesday after allegedly setting herself on fire and jumping from the third floor of her apartment building. The incident occurred around 10:30 am in the Prashant Vihar locality, according to police.
Incident Details
The woman, identified as Priya (name changed), was rushed to a nearby hospital with severe burn injuries and multiple fractures. She was declared dead on arrival. Police said they received a PCR call about a woman on fire and found her lying on the ground with burns covering over 80% of her body.
Preliminary investigation suggests she doused herself with kerosene before setting herself alight and then jumped from the third floor. A suicide note was recovered from her room, police added.
Father's Allegations
The woman's father, Ramesh Kumar, alleged that his daughter was under immense stress due to a prolonged child custody battle with her estranged husband. “She was fighting for custody of her two-year-old son. The case was dragging on, and she was very upset. She felt helpless,” Kumar told reporters.
He claimed that her husband had been harassing her and that the legal process was taking a toll on her mental health. “We had no idea she was planning something like this. She seemed fine in the morning,” he added.
Police Investigation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini) said a case of unnatural death has been registered and the body sent for post-mortem. “We are examining the suicide note and recording statements of family members. No foul play is suspected at this stage, but all angles are being investigated,” he said.
The police have also contacted the woman's husband for questioning. The couple had been separated for over a year, and the custody case was pending in a family court.
Mental Health Concerns
The incident has once again highlighted the stress faced by individuals involved in prolonged legal battles, especially child custody cases. Psychologists point out that such disputes can lead to severe anxiety and depression. “The emotional toll of custody battles can be overwhelming, and many parents feel trapped. It's crucial to seek professional help,” said Dr. Anjali Sharma, a clinical psychologist.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, over 1.5 lakh people died by suicide in India in 2022, with family problems being a leading cause. Experts urge better mental health support systems and early intervention.
Community Reaction
Neighbors expressed shock, describing the woman as a devoted mother. “She was always with her son. We never thought she would take such a step,” said a neighbor. The woman's son is currently with her parents.
The incident has sparked discussions on social media about the need for faster resolution of custody cases and better mental health resources for parents. Many called for reforms in the family court system.
