A horrifying incident unfolded in Mumbai's Andheri area late Sunday night, leaving a 17-year-old girl battling for her life with severe burn injuries. The accused, identified as 30-year-old Jitendra alias Jitu Tambe, allegedly poured petrol on the victim and set her ablaze. The shocking event occurred around 11:30 pm in Marol Gaonthan, behind a local hospital.
Tambe, the accused, also sustained burn injuries during the incident and was hospitalized. Both individuals are residents of Marol, Andheri, and reportedly had a friendship spanning the past few months.
On the night of the incident, the girl was sitting with her female friends at a local chawl after dinner when Tambe approached her, allegedly pouring petrol on her body before setting her afire.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Marol community, raising questions about women's safety and the urgency of addressing violence against women and girls.
Girl Suffers Critical Burns; Accused Injured in Incident
The victim sustained critical burns covering approximately 60 percent of her body, severely affecting her face, neck, stomach, private parts, hands, and legs. Currently unable to speak, she remains in critical condition at Dr. R N Cooper Hospital, a civic-run facility in Mumbai.Tambe, the accused, also sustained burn injuries during the incident and was hospitalized. Both individuals are residents of Marol, Andheri, and reportedly had a friendship spanning the past few months.
Victim's Mother Had Warned Accused Earlier
According to the victim's mother, who filed the police complaint, she had recently asked the accused to stop meeting her daughter. Though she questioned her daughter about a possible relationship, the girl denied any romantic involvement. Despite the mother's warning to Tambe, the two apparently continued meeting.On the night of the incident, the girl was sitting with her female friends at a local chawl after dinner when Tambe approached her, allegedly pouring petrol on her body before setting her afire.
Victim Identifies Attacker Before Losing Consciousness
The victim's mother rushed to the scene after being informed of the incident by a boy who knew her daughter. According to the FIR, upon seeing her mother, the severely injured girl clearly stated, "I am not at fault, Jitu poured petrol on my body and set me on fire."Police Investigation Underway
Mumbai Police have registered a case against Tambe under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), related to voluntarily causing grievous harm by using dangerous substances like acid or petrol. Officials stated that the investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear.The incident has sent shockwaves through the Marol community, raising questions about women's safety and the urgency of addressing violence against women and girls.
