A woman who was set on fire by her husband in Niriang village, died after an eight-month battle with third-degree burns that covered 45 per cent of her body.
Her husband Dahun Dkhar had allegedly set her on fire on September 26, 2024.
A relative of the woman confirmed to Highland Post that the woman died at her home in the village last night, after she wanted discharge from NEIGRIHMS two months back. Her six children will be under the care of their grandmother.
East Jaintia Hills police said her body was taken to Civil Hospital, Jowai for postmortem.
The accused husband who was arrested was booked under section 124 (1)/351 (3) of the BNS.
The mother of six, who was in her mid 30s, initially did not report her burn injuries to the police and she was lying in her bed with no medical treatment until a well-wisher visited the house to find out about her long absence from social places, only to discover the horrible truth on November 18, 2024.
Ironically after she was burnt, the husband had taken her to the Shillong Civil Hospital for the first time on October 7, 2024. At that time, the woman claimed that she had accidentally fallen into a fireplace and was persistent to get discharged by refusing medical treatment.
The authorities who grew suspicious had informed the police booth at the hospital and believed them to follow up on the matter.
It was only after about two weeks when the matter was brought to the notice of the police by whistleblowers that prompt action was taken.
The State Meghalaya State Women’s Commission, National Women’s Commission (NCW) member Delina Khongdup and the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Committee on Empowerment of Women also stepped up to aid and protect the woman.
Meanwhile, social activist Agnes Kharshiing has demanded speedy justice and said that the government should provide immediate help to the family of the deceased woman.
