Husband and Mother-In-Law Booked After Pregnant Woman’s Burn Death in Kerala

Thrissur: A day after the death of 20-year-old Archana, who was found with severe burn injuries at her marital home in Varantharapilly, police have now registered a case of dowry harassment and cruelty against her husband Sharon and mother-in-law Rajani. Archana, who was reportedly two months pregnant, was found with devastating burn injuries near a canal close to her matrimonial residence at Maatumala, Nandipalam, around 4 pm on Wednesday.

According to the FIR, Archana was subjected to both physical and mental torture at her husband’s house, allegedly because the promised dowry had not been given. The complaint further states that a substance similar to thinner was poured on her before she was set on fire.

The case has been registered under Sections 80 (dowry death) and 85 (cruelty by husband or relatives) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Varantharapally Police Station.

Archana’s father, Haridasan, said that the couple had married seven months ago in a love marriage, but the relationship soon turned abusive. He told reporters that Sharon often assaulted Archana and frequently questioned her character. According to him, the family had encouraged her to return home, but she continued to stay with her husband. He also alleged that Sharon had a criminal background and that his family supported his behaviour.

Police have taken Sharon into custody for further questioning, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police is overseeing the investigation. The body will be handed over to the family after the post-mortem examination.