BANGALORE: A 40-year-old man died after he set himself ablaze at Siddapur in Varthur on Monday night. His wife sustained burns when he hugged her as she tried to escape. Police said he suspected his wife’s fidelity.
The couple’s daughter was also injured in the incident. Reeta and two-and-half-year-old Vanita are now recovering in Victoria Hospital.
The deceased Anand Devanath, a native of Bihar, was working with a private company.
The family was residing in a rented house. Police said that around 9.30 pm on Monday, Anand picked a quarrel with Reeta alleging that she had an illicit affair. She reportedly abused him and, in a fit of rage, he poured kerosene on his wife and then on himself.
He then struck a match and set himself ablaze and hugged Reeta when she tired to escape.
Their daughter Vanitha who noticed her mother caught in the fire, ran to her and hugged her. Neighbours, who heard their screams, rushed and put out the fire and shifted them to a hospital nearby. Later, they were shifted
to Victoria Hospital, where Anand succumbed early on Tuesday. Vartur police have recorded the statement of the victim and further investigations are on.