A tragic incident shook Karidand village under the Babhni police station area of Sonbhadra district on Wednesday night, where a 70-year-old paralysed woman was burnt alive after a spark from a burning brazier (angithi) set her bedding on fire.
The deceased has been identified as Rajkunwar (70), wife of Jaddu Gond. According to family members, she had suffered a paralytic stroke two days earlier, leaving her completely immobile.
Fire Triggered by Spark from Brazier
To protect herself from the cold, Rajkunwar was sleeping on a cot inside her house, with straw and bedding spread over it. A burning brazier placed near the cot reportedly emitted sparks late at night, which fell onto the bedding. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the cot within minutes.
Due to her physical condition, the elderly woman was unable to move or escape and died on the spot.
Family Alerted by Smoke
Other family members were sleeping in a separate room at the time of the incident. They were alerted only after noticing smoke filling the house. Despite frantic attempts to douse the flames, it was already too late.
Hearing the screams, villagers rushed to the spot. Local representatives, including the village head and a district panchayat member, were informed immediately.
Police Action Underway
On Thursday morning, Babhni Station House Officer Kamlesh Pal reached the scene along with a police team. The body was taken into custody, and post-mortem examination was conducted at Dudhi Community Health Centre.
Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s son, Ramjeet, and further investigation is underway.
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the village and once again highlighted the deadly risks associated with indoor heating methods during winter, especially for the elderly and physically disabled.
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