The Hindu : New Delhi News : Elderly woman allegedly set afire

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Friday, Jan 13, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

Elderly woman allegedly set afire

Staff Reporter

Son, daughter-in-law arrested

NEW DELHI: In a bizarre incident, a businessman and his wife allegedly set their 65-year-old mother afire following an altercation over an apparently trivial issue at Geeta Colony in East Delhi on Thursday. Both have been arrested on charges of attempt to murder.

According to the police, Neelam Oberoi, whose husband Mahender Oberoi had died a couple of years ago, used to live with her younger son Rajesh on the ground floor of the house at Rani Garden in Geeta Colony. Her elder son Sushil, who has a readymade garments business, and his wife Komal used to live on the first floor along with their young child. Around 1-30 p.m., Neelam had an altercation with Komal over some issue. Sushil and his son were also present there. In a fit of rage, Komal allegedly poured kerosene over her mother-in-law and Sushil set her afire. Neelam then began crying for help which alerted Rajesh, who was present on the ground floor, and neighbours who rushed her to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital where she was admitted with 80 per cent burn injuries. Her condition was reported to be critical.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Komal and her mother-in-law had been arguing over family matters for the past few years. A few days ago, Komal's mother had come to meet her when Neelam reportedly ill-treated her and had asked her not to visit them again. Subsequently, when Neelam's relatives visited the house, Komal had raised the issue that had led to a heated argument.

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