Hapur woman dies of burns in Delhi hosp; kin allege dowry death

Meerut: A 22-year-old married woman from Hapur died at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi after sustaining severe burn injuries. Police have launched an investigation and detained the victim’s father-in-law for questioning, while other family members, including her husband, are absconding, officials said on Wednesday.The victim, Prachi Singh, had married Deepanshu Singh, a waiter and resident of Purana Bheem Nagar, two years ago. “On Tuesday night, Deepanshu called me and said my daughter had set herself on fire and had been taken to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. By the time we reached, she had died,” said her father, Subhash Singh.He added that Prachi had given birth to a girl around 20 days ago. “I spent beyond my means on the marriage and gave them a motorcycle and household items, but they kept demanding more and often fought with her. Whenever she complained, we asked her to adjust, keeping social pressures in mind. We never thought they would kill her,” he said.Circle officer Varun Mishra said, “A police team has been sent to Delhi to complete legal formalities. Further action will be taken based on the complaint filed by the victim’s family. The exact circumstances are being probed.”