Dalit woman set on fire by money lenders in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia

VARANASI: A 40-year-old dalit woman was allegedly set on fire by money lenders at Jajauli village in Bhimpura police station area in Ballia district on Thursday night. She sustained serious burns and was referred to Varanasi. The police arrested two accused in this connection and sent to jail on Friday. The arrested persons were booked under sections 307, 324, 506 of IPC and SC/ST Act.The matter is being investigated.
According to reports, the woman, Reshmi Devi was sleeping in her house when two persons set her afire after dousing with kerosene around 2am.
Reshmi's family members rushed the spot hearing her screams and took her to the local hospital from where she was referred to BHU hospital in Varanasi. Women’s kin alleged that she was set on fire by the money lenders. An FIR against Shuddu Singh and Sonu Singh was lodged in this connection.
Ballia SP Anil Kumar said that both the accused were arrested. It came to light that the woman had taken money from them two years ago. The matter is being investigated to now the actual reason behind this incident, he added.