Husband sets wife ablaze over saree dispute

 

By Sumesh Rajan | April 24, 2026

Belagavi, Karnataka, INDIA: A shocking case of domestic violence has emerged from Karnataka’s Belagavi district, where a man allegedly set his wife on fire following a dispute over her attire and refusal to attend a family function.

The accused, identified as 29-year-old Krishnaji Parasharam Patil, a daily wage labourer from Hattarwad village in Khanapur taluk, was arrested by Nandgad police on April 20. He was later produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

According to police officials, the incident occurred around 11 am on April 19 at the couple’s rented residence in Durganagar, Nandgad village. The victim, Manjula (27), a homemaker, had been married to the accused for eight years.

Investigators said the couple had a history of domestic disputes, with the woman allegedly facing prolonged physical and mental harassment. On the day of the incident, an argument broke out after Patil objected to his wife wearing a nightdress instead of a saree and insisted she accompany him to a relative’s function.

Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan stated that the accused had allegedly threatened to burn her dress if she refused to change into traditional attire. When she continued to resist, the situation escalated violently.

“He poured petrol and set her on fire with the intention to kill,” a police officer said.

Manjula sustained nearly 80 per cent burn injuries. She was initially rescued by locals and taken to a nearby hospital before being shifted to Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim for advanced treatment, where she remains in critical condition.

Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s mother, a case has been registered at Nandgad police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder.

Police teams tracked down the accused near a bus stand in Nandgad village and took him into custody. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the crime.

Officials also noted that the accused had recently undergone surgery for a brain tumour, and locals claimed he had been experiencing mental instability. However, police said all aspects, including his medical condition and past conduct, are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

The couple has two children — a five-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son.

Senior officers, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police, supervised the operation to apprehend the accused. Further investigation is underway.