Woman set on fire ‘by in-laws over dowry’ dies

A woman, who was set on fire allegedly by her in-laws for dowry in Pabna, died at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) last night.

Fazi Akter, 25, succumbed to her injuries at the burn unit around 11:00pm, said Monirul Islam, officer-in-charge of Aminpur Police Station in Pabna.

Fazi had suffered 60 per cent burns and was in a critical condition.

The victim was later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for better treatment.

WHAT DO WE KNOW SO FAR?

Fazi, a housewife in Sujanagar upazila, whose husband now lives in Malaysia, was repeatedly tortured by her in-laws for dowry, alleged her brother Shahin Mondol.

The victim previously had multiple feuds with her in-laws over the matter that her husband used to send money from Malaysia to his sister instead of his wife, police said.

Obaidul Haque, officer-in-charge of Pabna Sadar Police Station, said Fazi named five people, including her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, for their involvement in the incident.

She gave the statement when a police team visited her at Pabna Medical College Hospital. Later, a case was filed in connection with the incident in which six stands accused.

Samena Khatun, 40, sister-in-law of the victim, has been arrested. The rest of the family members went in hiding after the arson attack.