A horrific incident of domestic violence shook Pipalkhunta village in Mandsaur district on Saturday evening, leaving two women with severe burn injuries. The attack, which was reportedly captured on video, involved a man allegedly setting his wife and her aunt on fire.
The Sequence of a Nightmare
The violence erupted around 6 pm on Saturday under the limits of the Nahargarh police station. According to the victim's statement, the accused, identified as Rajnath, had just returned from a court hearing. In a fit of rage, he went to his wife Mamta's aunt's house where she was staying.
The situation quickly escalated. Rajnath allegedly threatened the family with a firearm before pouring petrol on his wife, Mamta, and lighting a match. When Mamta's aunt, Kasubai, rushed to her rescue, the accused reportedly turned on her as well, dousing her in petrol and setting her ablaze too.
Victims' Condition and a Troubled Past
Alerted by the screams, villagers rushed to the spot, managed to extinguish the flames, and rushed both women to the district hospital. Doctors assessed that Mamta suffered approximately 35% burns on her face, chest, and abdomen. Her aunt Kasubai's condition was reported to be serious.
From her hospital bed, Mamta revealed that she had been living separately from Rajnath for the past year, and their disputes had been escalating. The couple has been married for 15 years and has three children. "I am terrified for my parents' safety," Mamta expressed in her statement to the authorities.
Police Manhunt Underway
Nahargarh Station House Officer (TI) Varun Tiwari confirmed that a case has been registered based on the complaint. "The accused fled the scene immediately after the incident," TI Tiwari stated. He added that the police have launched a major manhunt and are conducting raids at potential hideouts to apprehend Rajnath.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the extreme dangers of domestic disputes turning violent. The police investigation is ongoing as they work to track down the accused.
