Indian policeman sets woman on fire for “not paying bribe”

A woman in Barabanki was allegedly set on fire by a policeman posted at Kothi police station after the officers there reportedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh to release her husband, who was detained for questioning in an attempt to murder case.

The police, however, claimed that she attempted self immolation.

The woman, Neetu Dwivedi (40) — who sustained 80 per cent burns — was admitted to Lucknow’s Civil Hospital, where her condition is stated to be critical.

The incident took place on Monday in Barabanki town. In her dying declaration before a magistrate and reporters, she alleged that she was abused and humiliated by her attackers when she refused to pay the bribe.