33-year-old rape victim set ablaze in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh

JAIPUR: A 33-year-old rape victim was set on fire at her home in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district, police said on Friday.

The victim sustained 90 per cent burn injuries and was rushed to a government hospital in Bikaner.

Based on a complaint by the victim’s grandmother, police have arrested the accused identified as Pradeep Bishnoi.

The victim, who has a daughter, was living with her maternal grandmother following a dispute with her husband, the police said.

A man entered their house premises in the early hours of Thursday, sprinkled kerosene on the floor, knocked on the door and called the woman by her name. As she opened the door, the man dropped a burning stick on the floor, resulting in serious injuries to her, Golupura Station House Officer (SHO) Omprakash said.

According to police, the victim’s maternal grandmother has accused Vishnoi of committing the crime. The woman was allegedly raped by Vishnoi in 2018 and the trial in the case is currently on. A CCTV footage obtained from the area is being examined, the SHO said.

Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje condemned the incident. State Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said stern punishment like death penalty should be given to those who commit such crimes.