A newly-wed inter-caste couple was set on fire by bride’s relatives, in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra on May 1. The woman who was two months pregnant died in the hospital, while the husband sustained severe burn injuries. 

The police said that 19-year-old Rukmini Ransingh died while undergoing treatment in Pune’s Sasson General Hospital. Her husband Mangesh Ransingh is being currently being treated for 50 per cent burns.

Parents opposed Inter-caste Marriage

According to the police, the incident took place in Nighoj village in Ahmednagar district. Three of girl’s relatives, including her father and two uncles, who vehemently opposed the inter-caste love marriage are the main suspects.

The newly-wed couple was first doused with kerosene and then set ablaze by Rukmani’s relatives, the police said. Meanwhile, the girl’s father, Rama Bhartiya fled the spot and is still on a run. Her uncles, Surendra Bhartiya and Ghanshyam Saroj have been arrested. An FIR has been lodged at Parner police station against all three.

The couple was later taken to Sassoon General Hospital in Pune for treatment, where the girl, who sustained more than 70% burns, succumbed to her injuries. 

Assistant Police Inspector, Vijaykumar Botre, of Parner police station, told The Hindu, that the couple had solemnized their marriage 6 months ago, amid strong opposition from their respective families, who were opposed to their Inter-caste love marriage.

Last month, Rukmini had a minor quarrel, with her husband, following which she came to her paternal home.

“When Mangesh went to take his wife back home, Rukmini’s relatives denied. A heated altercation ensued after which Rukmini’s relative brutally assaulted Mangesh. Then they doused the couple with kerosene and set them on fire,” said API Vijaykumar Botre.

A case has been registered under IPC sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempted murder).

Earlier cases in Ahmedabad

The Ahmednagar area has witnessed caste-related violence in the past as well. 

In 2013, three Dalit youths — Sachin Gharu (24), Sandeep Thanvar (25) and Rahul Kandare (20) from Ahmednagar’s Sonai village were murdered in cold blood. Their body parts were mutilated and found scattered in a septic tank and a dried-up well. 

Also Read: MP: Young Couple Beaten Mercilessly, Forced To Drink Urine For Marrying Against Family’s ‘Pride’