Woman burnt alive after she rejects marriage proposal in Kolkata

In a harrowing incident in Kolkata, a 30-year-old Muslim woman named Shagufta Parveen tragically lost her life after being set on fire by a man she had met under false pretenses. The horrific event unfolded on April 4, in the Babughat area of the Maidan, a popular park in the city. Parveen, who had been lured to the secluded spot under the guise of a job interview, refused the man's marriage proposal, leading to a violent confrontation.

The accused, identified as Siddhartha Chariwal, allegedly called Parveen for the interview. Upon reaching the location, an argument ensued when Chariwal revealed his true intentions and asked her to marry him. Enraged by her refusal, Chariwal is reported to have poured kerosene on Parveen and set her ablaze. Eyewitnesses quickly alerted the police, and Parveen was rushed to the SSKM Hospital, where she endured critical injuries for two days before passing away on April 6.

In a heart-wrenching interview with the media, Parveen's mother recounted the last moments she saw her daughter. She described how Parveen had left for the interview, and they had even shared lunch together. The mother mentioned that she had invited Parveen to join her at the market, but her daughter declined due to the interview. Tragically, after that, Parveen's phone went silent.

The family's anguish intensified when they learned of the horrific attack. The mother recounted her distressing phone call with the police, who informed her that her daughter had been burned. "When I called at 4 pm, the police picked up and said my daughter was burned," she sobbed. Upon reaching the hospital, the family was devastated to see the extent of Parveen's injuries. "My child was completely burned, the entire skin was peeling off," the mother lamented.

Parveen's final moments were filled with unimaginable pain and suffering. According to her mother, Parveen had said, "It hurts and it's very painful." The harrowing ordeal has left the family and the wider community in shock and mourning.

This brutal attack highlights the persistent issue of honor-based violence and the exploitation of women in India. Despite legal protections, such as the Dowry Prohibition Act and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, incidents like this continue to occur, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and support for women's safety.

The Kolkata Police have launched an investigation into the case, and the accused, Siddhartha Chariwal, is in custody. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice.

As the city mourns the loss of a young life, the tragic story of Shagufta Parveen serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's safety and dignity in India. Her family's anguish and the community's grief call for collective action to prevent such heinous acts and ensure that no woman has to face such brutal violence in the name of honor or love.