A 20-year-old woman attempted to set herself on fire at a police station in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, late on Sunday night. The incident occurred after she demanded immediate action against a man she had accused of rape and who subsequently refused to marry her, officials stated on Monday.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the woman doused herself with an inflammable substance and attempted self-immolation within the premises of the Bijnor Kotwali police station around 11 p.m. on Sunday. Alert police personnel present at the scene intervened, rescuing her and immediately rushing her to a local hospital. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was subsequently referred to a higher medical facility in Meerut, where doctors reported she had sustained burns covering 50-60 percent of her body.
According to the Superintendent of Police, Abhishek Jha, the woman had initially lodged a case in 2024 against a man residing in Swaheri village, along with his family members. The complaint included charges related to rape. A report was subsequently submitted in that investigation. The woman filed another complaint in 2025, alleging that the accused man had developed a relationship with her but later reneged on his promise of marriage.
The accused individual had reportedly obtained a stay against his arrest from the high court, even as the police proceeded to file a chargesheet in the case. Police reports indicate that the woman arrived at the Kotwali police station on Sunday night and insisted that the accused and his family be summoned immediately for a discussion. Authorities assured her that the other party would be called on Monday for dialogue. It was during this period that her stepfather allegedly brought a bottle containing an inflammable substance, which the woman then used to ignite herself inside the police station premises.
The woman’s mother lodged a separate complaint with the police, alleging that the man’s family had been subjecting her daughter to mental harassment following the filing of the initial case. In response to the incident, the Superintendent of Police has directed the Additional Superintendent of Police (City) to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. The CCTV footage from the police station premises is currently being examined as part of the investigation. “If any lapse is found, strict action will be taken,” the SP assured.
In connection with the incident, Kotwali in-charge Amar Singh Rathore has been suspended. The police have stated that further investigation into the sequence of events is ongoing.
The Chenab Times News Desk