Denied money for drugs, addict sets wife on fire

PATIALA: Attempts to salvage her hard-earned paddy crop from the drug addict-husband has cost a poor woman of Shambu Kalan dear. Set on fire by the husband, the woman has been admitted to PGI, Chandigarh with over 70% burn injuries.
Shalinder Kaur was married to Hakam Singh of Shambu Kalan for the last 21 years. The couple has three daughters, but the addiction of Hakam has been creating problems for the family for the last many years. Hakam has been snatching money from his wife, who, along with her daughter, works as a laborer.
At around 8 pm on Thursday, Hakam demanded money from his wife to purchase liquor, but she refused as she had spent all money on purchasing grocery items. Following her refusal, Hakam tried to take away paddy, lying in a bag, for sale. But when she did not allow her husband to take paddy, Hakam allegedly poured kerosene oil on her and set her afire.
"She was saved by neighbors and taken to civil hospital, Rajpura from where she was referred to PGI, Chandigarh. She has suffered more than 70% burns. We have registered a case under section 307 IPC against Hakam Singh," said investigating officer Kuldeep Singh. Police have recorded the statement of Kaur in presence of JMIC, Mahesh Grover, in PGI.