Dalit Woman Raped and Set on fire in Rajasthan's Barmer, Say Police

Officials said that the woman suffered 40-50 percent burn injuries and is being treated at a hospital in Jodhpur.

Image used for representational purpose.

(Photo: The Quint)

Trigger Warning: Rape, Graphic Violence

A 30-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped and set on fire in Rajasthan's Barmer district, said the police on Friday. 

Barmer Superintendent of Police Digant Anand said the woman died late Friday at a hospital in Jodhpur and the accused he has been arrested, reported PTI.

A case has been registered under sections 376 (punishment for rape ), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 450 (house-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life) of the Indian Penal Code, and other sections of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. 

Hindustan Times reported that officials (who requested anonymity) said that the accused set the woman on fire and fled from the spot after neighbours heard her scream and gathered at the spot. The woman has two children. 

According to the police, the accused, Shakur Khan, belonged to the same village as the woman. 

According to to a complaint lodged by the victim's husband, the accused broke into their home on Thursday and raped his wife when she was alone. He allegedly poured an acid-like chemical on her and set her on fire.

(With inputs from Hindustan Times and PTI)