The Malwani area was shaken up after the death of 22-year-old girl Shama Sheikh, a local resident, who was set on fire.
Neighbours of the deceased have informed the police that on Thursday at about 6.30 pm, Sheikh had emerged from her house, shouting for help. When her neighbor came out after hearing her cries, they saw that she was on fire.
After dousing the flames, they took Sheikh to the local Shatabdi Hospital where she died while receiving treatment. The police has registered a case under Indian Penal Code Sections 302 (Murder), 376 (rape), 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 452 (House-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint) against the unknown accused and the further inquiry in the case is on.
According to police sources, while being taken to the hospital, Sheikh informed her neighbours that that a man with a long beard, who was wearing a green shirt, had set her on fire.
According to the locals, the girl has three bothers — one works in a call centre, one works in the Samsung gallery and the youngest works as an air conditioner mechanic. On Thursday at about 5.30 pm they were at their workplaces while the siblings’ parents had gone to their hometown. They are to return on Saturday morning.
After Sheikh’s death, the police conducted a search in her house. During the search they found a condom in the dustbin. Therefore, officials are assuming that the girl was raped before being immolated and they have registered a case of rape.
While the locals are saying that before Sheikh came out from her house shouting for help, at least six women — who had been sitting at the entrance of the chawl at the time of the incident — have said that they did not see anyone entering or going out.
Also, interestingly, the back gate of Sheikh’s house was locked from the inside.
