A coconut trader succumbed to burn injuries after accusing his wife’s family of setting him on fire during a dispute
Anekal: A shocking family dispute in Bengaluru’s Anekal taluk has turned into a gruesome murder case after a 25-year-old man, who was allegedly set on fire by his in-laws during an argument over taking his wife and children home, died after battling severe burn injuries for 19 days.
The deceased has been identified as V. Naveen, a coconut trader and resident of Chudenahalli in Anekal taluk. According to police officials, Naveen suffered critical burn injuries after his father-in-law and brother-in-law allegedly poured petrol on him and set him ablaze during a violent altercation at his in-laws’ residence in Janatha Colony on April 14.
Police said Naveen later died on May 2 while undergoing treatment, following which the case registered earlier as an attempt to murder was converted into a murder case.
Dispute Began After Wife Refused to Return Home
According to investigators, Naveen had gone to his in-laws’ house along with his wife, Suchitra and their two children on April 13. The next day, when he attempted to take his wife and children back home, Suchitra reportedly refused to accompany him.
Police sources stated that Naveen then requested his in-laws to send his wife and children with him, which allegedly triggered a heated confrontation inside the house.
During the argument, family members allegedly attacked Naveen physically. Investigators said the situation escalated when petrol was allegedly poured on him from a bottle and his brother-in-law, Munesh, allegedly set him on fire.
A passerby reportedly rushed to the spot and poured water on Naveen, helping prevent further burn injuries before local residents shifted him for medical treatment.
Victim Named Family Members Before Magistrate
Despite suffering severe burns, Naveen initially received treatment at Anekal Government Hospital before being shifted to Krishnagiri District Government Hospital in Tamil Nadu for advanced treatment.
While undergoing treatment, Naveen reportedly gave a statement before a magistrate, accusing his wife, Suchitra, father-in-law Sampangi, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law Munesh of setting him on fire.
The statement has now become a crucial part of the investigation following his death.
“My wife, father-in-law, mother-in-law and brother-in-law set me on fire,” Naveen reportedly stated before the magistrate during treatment.
Two Arrested, Investigation Continues
Police officials confirmed that Naveen’s father-in-law, Sampangi and brother-in-law, Munesh, have already been arrested and remanded to judicial custody in connection with the case.
Authorities said the involvement of Naveen’s wife, Suchitra and mother-in-law is currently under investigation. However, no arrests have been made against them so far.
The case is being investigated by the Anekal Police Station, and officials are continuing to examine witness statements, medical evidence, and Naveen’s dying declaration as part of the murder investigation.
