Man sets wife on fire after fifth girl's birth

A man in Jharkhand set his wife on fire after she gave birth to their fifth daughter, police said on Wednesday.

According to police, Sarita Devi, 35, a resident of Shakkarpur village, on the outskirts of Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, gave birth to a girl, their fifth consecutive daughter, seven days ago. The birth of five girls in a row within a span of seven years infuriated Sarita's husband, Ketan Khalko.

Khalko on Tuesday night arrived home in an inebriated condition. He had a quarrel with Sarita on the baby girl issue.

He poured kerosene on Sarita and set her on fire. Her cries alerted the neighbours, who took her to Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) in Ranchi. Khalko escaped from the spot.

According to doctors, Sarita's condition is serious as she has suffered over 55 percent burn injuries.

"Sarita had already four daughters and the birth of the fifth baby girl infuriated Khalko, who wanted a boy. As my daughter gave birth to a girl, Khalko tried to kill her," said Sarita's mother, Bando Kachchap.