Suspicion Of Extramarital Affair: Husband Sets Wife On Fire In Lakhipur, Arrested

In a shocking case of domestic violence, a man from Bandu Tea Estate under Lakhipur co-district in Cachar district allegedly tried to kill his wife by setting her on fire over suspicion of an extramarital affair. The accused, identified as Tapan Kahar, has been arrested by the police.

According to sources, the incident took place on Monday night (October 27) when Tapan Kahar, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, returned home and found his wife, Rima Kahar, talking on the phone. Suspecting that she was speaking with her alleged lover, he confronted her, which soon escalated into a heated argument. In a fit of rage, Tapan allegedly poured petrol on his wife and set her ablaze.

Hearing her screams, neighbours rushed to the scene, rescued Rima, and took her to Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) with severe burn injuries. She is currently undergoing treatment at SMCH.

Speaking from her hospital bed, Rima recounted the horrifying incident, saying, “My husband and I argued that night. I didn’t notice that he had brought a bottle of petrol with him. Suddenly, he sprinkled petrol on me and lit a match. I fell to the floor — after that, I remember nothing.”

Her mother said that the couple had been married for 13 years, but Rima had kept quiet about their quarrels out of shame. “She never spoke about their fights. Now, after such a big incident, she finally called me. He had consumed alcohol that night,” her mother said.

Police have arrested Tapan Kahar and initiated further investigation into the case.