In a shocking and gruesome crime, a man disguised as a woman set his married lover on fire inside her home on Tuesday afternoon after she refused to leave with him. The attacker, identified as Umesh, attempted to flee but suffered severe injuries while trying to escape.
The incident unfolded in the quiet rural settlement of Koh village, where the air was shattered by the piercing screams of the victim, Rekha, who suffered over 70% burns in the attack.
Eyewitnesses reported that Umesh, a resident of Hasanpur village in Haryana, had arrived dressed in a lehenga, a traditional outfit worn by women, in an effort to conceal his identity. He had been dropped off near the village on a motorcycle by an unidentified friend before making his way to Rekha&rsquo;s house. At the time, Rekha was alone, watching television, as her two young children were at school and her husband, Sanju, was working in the fields.
According to Sanjay Kumar Pandey, in-charge of Farah police station, Umesh gained entry by climbing onto the terrace and descending into the house. He then confronted Rekha, demanding that she leave with him. When she refused, an enraged Umesh doused her in petrol and set her ablaze.
Hearing her cries, neighbours rushed to the house, only to witness the horrifying scene. In a desperate bid to escape, Umesh attempted to jump from the terrace but landed badly, sustaining critical injuries. He was soon overpowered by locals before police arrived at the scene.
Both Rekha and Umesh were initially taken to the Farah community health centre but were later transferred to SN Medical College in Agra due to the severity of their injuries.
A Troubled Past
Preliminary police investigations have revealed a complicated relationship between the victim and the accused. Umesh, who is the brother of Rekha&rsquo;s elder sister-in-law, had been a frequent visitor to her home. Their relationship reportedly intensified, and on August 31 last year, Rekha left her home to be with him. Her family later filed a missing person report, and after months of search, she was located and brought back from Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, on February 10 this year.
Following her return, Rekha distanced herself from Umesh, which investigators believe fuelled his anger.
&ldquo;When she refused to go with him today, Umesh lost control and committed this horrifying act,&rdquo; said Officer Pandey.
As of now, no formal complaint has been filed in the matter. Police officials stated that their immediate priority is to ensure both Rekha and Umesh receive proper medical treatment before proceeding with legal action.
&ldquo;We are closely monitoring their conditions. Once they stabilize, the necessary legal steps will be taken,&rdquo; added Pandey.
The incident has left the village in shock, with residents condemning the brutal attack. The police have assured swift action once Rekha or her family files a formal complaint.
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Victim Rekha with 70 percent burns being taken to Hospital by Farah police

A man dressed as a woman set his married lover on fire in Agra after she refused to leave with him

Disguised Man Sets Lover on Fire in Agra Village

A man dressed as a woman set his married lover on fire in Agra after she refused to leave with him

March 12, 2025 | 06:31 IST