Wife burns husband to death, absconds

Raipur: A 45-year-old man died after his wife allegedly set him on fire during a domestic dispute in Raipur's DD Nagar area late on Monday night, police said on Tuesday. The accused woman is at large, and police have launched a search to nab her after registering a case of murder. The victim, identified as Arun Patwa, sustained around 70% burn injuries and succumbed during treatment at a local hospital. According to police, the incident took place on the night of Dec 8. Arun had returned home late after attending his niece's wedding, and an argument broke out between the couple soon after. Relatives alleged that after Arun went to sleep, his wife poured petrol on him, set him ablaze and locked the door from outside before fleeing. As the flames spread, Arun screamed for help. Neighbours rushed in and informed the police, who took him to hospital in a critical condition where he died during treatment. Family members have submitted a written complaint at DD Nagar police station. They said Arun and his wife had been married for about 22 years and had no children. The relationship had been strained for several years, and the couple had been living separately for some time due to frequent disputes.