Horrific Dowry Attack: UP Constable's Wife Burnt Alive, Battles for Life

In a chilling reminder of the persistent and barbaric practice of dowry violence, a young woman in Uttar Pradesh is currently fighting for her life after allegedly being set ablaze by her husband and in-laws. The victim, Kavita, sustained critical burn injuries in the horrific attack that unfolded in the Sirsiganj area of Firozabad district.

The harrowing incident came to light after Kavita's father, Ashok Kumar, lodged a complaint alleging that his daughter was brutally assaulted and then set on fire by her husband, Rohit Yadav – a police constable – along with his father, who is also a sub-inspector in the UP Police, and other family members.

The motive behind this heinous act, according to the complaint, was the unceasing demand for dowry.

Kavita and Rohit Yadav were married in 2022. According to her father, soon after their wedding, the demands for additional dowry began. These demands escalated into a continuous cycle of harassment and abuse, ultimately culminating in the horrifying attempt on Kavita's life.

She was rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to a specialized facility in Agra, where doctors are tirelessly working to save her.

Authorities have acted swiftly following the complaint. An FIR has been registered at the Sirsiganj police station against Rohit Yadav and his family members.

The charges include serious sections of the Indian Penal Code, such as 307 (attempt to murder), 498A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty), 326A (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc.), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), and relevant sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act (3/4).

Rohit Yadav has been arrested, but the other accused family members are currently absconding, with police actively pursuing them.

This incident serves as a stark and tragic indicator that despite numerous laws and widespread awareness campaigns, the evil of dowry continues to plague Indian society, leaving a trail of devastation and despair.

It underscores the urgent need for more stringent enforcement of anti-dowry laws and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes to protect women from such barbaric acts of violence.