Mathura, Uttarb Pradesh: A shocking incident unfolded in Koh village, Mathura, where a 28-year-old man, disguised in a lehenga, set his married lover on fire inside her home after she refused to elope with him.

The victim, Rekha (30), suffered over 70% burns, while the accused, Umesh, sustained serious injuries after attempting to escape by jumping from the terrace.

According to Farah police station in-charge Sanjay Kumar Pandey, Rekha was alone at home watching TV when Umesh arrived, having been dropped off near the village by a friend on a motorcycle. Entering through the terrace, he pressured Rekha to go with him, but when she refused, he poured petrol on her and set her ablaze.

Hearing her screams, neighbours rushed in, while Umesh tried to flee but fell, sustaining injuries. Both were rushed to the Farah community health centre and later referred to SN Medical College in Agra due to their critical condition.

Police investigations revealed that Umesh, a resident of Hasanpur, Haryana, was the brother of Rekha’s elder sister-in-law. Their relationship developed over time, and on August 31 last year, Rekha had left home with him. However, following a police complaint by her family, she was brought back from Himachal Pradesh in February.

After returning home, Rekha distanced herself from Umesh, which allegedly enraged him and led to the attack.

As of now, no formal complaint has been filed, but police say legal action will be taken once one is registered. Saving their lives remains the priority, officials stated

(With PTI inputs)