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Journalism of Courage
Delhi Crime News: On October 3, pharmaceutical firm worker Dinesh Kumar returned home late from work in South Delhi’s Madangir, had dinner and went to sleep, only to be woken up by a burning sensation on his torso. As he opened his eyes, he saw his wife Sadhna pouring boiling oil and red chilli powder on him, said police.
While pouring the oil, Sadhna, who has been arrested, allegedly threatened: “Agar shor machaya toh aur tel dalungi (Will pour more oil if you scream).”
However, Dinesh could not suppress his screams and the commotion brought neighbours and his landlord, who lived on the floor below, rushing to the house. The landlord, Nathuram, also called Dinesh’s brother-in-law, Ram Sagar and the two rushed him to the Madan Mohan Malviya hospital, the FIR stated.
“The Ambedkar Nagar police station received a MLC (Medico-Legal Certificate) report from Madan Mohan Malviya Hospital regarding a burn injury case. The MLC stated that the patient had been burnt by hot oil allegedly poured by his wife. Dinesh was subsequently referred to Safdarjung Hospital for further treatment,” DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan said.
In his statement to the police, Dinesh said that he returned home late from work on October 2 and went to sleep soon after having dinner. His wife and daughter were sleeping beside him. Around 3.15 am, he felt a burning sensation on his torso.
“He woke up to his wife pouring hot oil on his body… She also sprinkled red chilli powder on the burns and threatened to pour more oil if he raised an alarm,” DCP Chauhan said. Police said Dinesh’s injuries were described as “dangerous” and “scald burns” in the medical report.
The PTI quoted Dinesh as saying that the couple has been married for eight years and has had a troubled relationship. Two years ago, Sadhna had filed a complaint with the Crime Against Women Cell, but the matter was settled.
A police source told PTI that the couple had a row on the day of the incident as well. “A complaint was made against the man two years ago, but the matter was resolved after mediation. Another complaint was filed against Dinesh some months ago,” the source added.
