Teen dies, boyfriend critical after couple ‘sets themselves on fire’

Agra: An 18-year-old girl died and her boyfriend suffered critical burn injuries after they allegedly set themselves on fire in UP’s Firozabad. Police said they probably attempted to end their lives together amid a romantic relationship.The incident took place late on Friday in Gadhaiya locality of Shikohabad in Firozabad district. The deceased was identified as Khushi Sharma (18). Her friend, Arun Kumar Katheria (19), is currently at Agra’s SN Medical College.Khushi and Arun had been in a relationship for almost 10 years. Khushi’s father had died a few years ago, and she lived with her mother and 12-year-old brother Harsh in Shikohabad.Three days before the incident, Khushi had accompanied her mother and younger brother to her maternal relatives’ home in Mainpuri. But she returned to Shikohabad on the pretext of purchasing clothes.Locals told police that Khushi arrived at her house with Arun around 10pm on Friday. About an hour later, the couple allegedly entered the kitchen and set themselves ablaze.Police later rushed to the spot, broke open the door and sent them to hospital. On Friday, an FIR was filed by the girl’s maternal uncle under BNS section 87 (kidnapping) at Shikohabad, accusing Arun of “kidnapping her niece”.Given the severity of their burns, doctors referred them first to Firozabad and then to Agra’s SN Medical College for advanced treatment. Khushi succumbed to her injuries during treatment, while Arun remains in critical condition. Police told TOI that while Khushi was pursuing her BA second, while Arun dropped out after completing her intermediate and started to work with his father.SHO (Shikohabad) inspector Anuj Kumar said that police are collecting evidence and recording statements to determine the sequence of events and whether any additional factors contributed to the incident.