Udhampur Woman Dies After Stepson Allegedly Sets Her Ablaze; Accused Arrested

A 42-year-old woman died after her stepson allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze at their home in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, police said on Thursday. The accused has been arrested.

The deceased, identified as Sushma Devi, was allegedly attacked in the Housing Colony area on Wednesday evening.

The accused, identified as Moksh Verma, allegedly sprinkled petrol or diesel on his stepmother before setting her on fire.

Sushma Devi sustained severe burn injuries covering approximately 70 per cent of her body.

Neighbours and family members rushed her to the District Hospital in Udhampur, where doctors referred her to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, for specialised treatment. Despite medical intervention, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, registered cases involving juveniles in conflict with the law in Jammu and Kashmir increased from 171 in 2020 to 323 in 2021 and 361 in 2022.

A 2024 retrospective psychiatric study by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir examined juvenile offenders. It identified charges under the UAPA, Arms Act and POCSO Act among the common offences.

Legal and mental health experts in the Union Territory say family conflicts, financial stress and a lack of parental guidance can contribute to juvenile offending. They note that many young offenders are first-time offenders rather than habitual criminals.

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