Mumbai Crime News: Chembur Woman Set Ablaze By Husband After Refusing Physical Advances; FIR Registered, Accused Absconding

Mumbai: In a horrifying incident in Chembur, a 38-year-old woman, Rekha Awhad, was allegedly set on fire by her husband following a domestic dispute. The argument reportedly began after she refused his demand for physical relation. Her refusal allegedly led to a heated exchange, during which the husband verbally abused her and questioned her character. 

According to the police, during the altercation, Rekha poured kerosene on herself in a fit of anger and attempted to ignite herself with a matchstick but failed. Her husband then allegedly threw a burning piece of paper at her, resulting in serious burn injuries. The victim, who works as a domestic help, resides in Naga Baba Nagar, Chembur. The incident occurred in the early hours of May 30.

Police reports state that the victim’s husband, Dinesh Awhad, 46, made a demand for physical relation. Rekha, who was in a hurry to leave for work, refused. Enraged by the refusal, Dinesh allegedly started verbally abusing her and accused her of having an extramarital affair. He also told her that she "deserved to die."

In response, Rekha doused herself in kerosene and attempted to set herself ablaze but was unsuccessful. Dinesh then allegedly threw a burning piece of paper at her, causing her to sustain severe burns. Following the incident, he fled the scene and is currently absconding. Police have launched a manhunt to locate him.

The RCF Police registered an FIR against Dinesh Awhad on May 30 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) —
109(1) (Attempt to murder), 352 (Assault or use of criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation), and 115 (Voluntarily causing hurt).