A married couple in Faridabad’s Qureshipur village allegedly poured boiling water on their 23-year-old neighbor, Preeti, and kept her locked in a room for several days, police said on Thursday. Preeti had been living with the couple, Dharmendra and Lalita, after separating from her husband two months ago.
The victim sustained 50 per cent burns and severe blisters on her chest and hands in the incident on August 16. After being rescued by police, she was initially treated at BK Hospital but was later referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi due to her critical condition.
According to Preeti’s complaint, the incident occurred around 4 am on August 16. She alleged that after being scalded by boiling water, she was not allowed to seek medical treatment and was locked inside the room by the couple, who also confiscated her mobile phone.
Preeti, a native of Tikka Tola, Shahapur in Bihar, had married Rohit, a resident of Qureshipur, Faridabad, about two years ago. However, the couple frequently quarreled, leading to her separation from her husband two months ago. She had been staying with Dharmendra and Lalita since then.
Police have registered an FIR against the couple at Dhauj police station and arrested Lalita. Dharmendra is currently absconding. A police team will visit the hospital to record Preeti’s statement soon.
Police have denied reports that Preeti mentioned attempts to marry her off to an elderly man for Rs 3 lakh in her complaint, stating that they are yet to record her statement due to her ongoing treatment.
