Shanti, 29, who is undergoing treatment at Bir Hospital Kathmandu, has sustained serious burn injuries on her head, face, chest and left hip. [break]
“Initial investigations reveal that Arjun tried to immolate his wife by pouring petrol stored in a mineral water bottle, following an altercation,” said DSP Tek Bahadur Tamang, chief at Metropolitan Police Circle, Kalimati, adding, “It is clear from the circumstances leading to the incident that the couple was having problems since long time.”
DSP Tamang informed that Arjun had reached home late that night and the incident took place after they had a heated debate.
Married in 2010, the couple was living in a rented house at Soltimod, Kathmandu. It has also been revealed that Shanti was Arjun´s second wife who originally hails from Dhading, Neland, VDC-5. He was running a vegetable shop at Kalimati vegetable market.
“It seems like Arjun had a drinking habit and the incident took place because of that but we are yet to ascertain the actual reasons,” DSP Tamang told Republica.
Similarly, Shanti, in her statement to the police, has said that her husband poured petrol on her body and tried to immolate her. Police on Wednesday nabbed Arjun from Bir Hospital as he was trying to run away after admitting his wife there.
He has been detained at Kalimati Police Station for further investigation.
Murder attempted for property: Relatives
Stating that the couple had had several disputes in the past, Shanti´s relatives have accused Arjun of attempting to murder her for the sake of property. They suspect that the murder attempt was a ´planned´ one.
“Arjun spent all the cash Shanti had earned while working in Kuwait and also sold her jewelries. He wanted to finish her off after learning that she had no more properties,” said Shova Lama, sister of Shanti Silwal.
“I have told Arjun that I don´t have any cash or jewelry left with me,” Shova quoted her younger sister as saying some days before the incident.
Shanti has been working in Kuwait for more than four years before Arjun forced her to come back to Nepal, she informed, adding, “He repeatedly threatened Shanti of murdering her when she refused to marry with him.” According to Shoval, her sister was unaware of Arjun´s previous marriage.
Shanti originally hails from Sindhupalchowk and her family has been living in Balaju for the last 10 years.
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