Tamil Nadu woman dies by setting herself ablaze, alleges sexual harassment by father-in-law

The victim, Ranjitha, suffered 70 percent burn injuries and was shifted to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for treatment.

However, she died of her injuries despite medical efforts.

In her dying declaration, which was videographed, Ranjitha, whose face was charred and voice feeble, said: "My father-in-law hugged me. I couldn't take it. That's why I immolated myself."

Her family has alleged that she was just not abused by her father-in-law but was also victim of ongoing dowry harassment by her husband and in-laws.

Ranjitha's sister, Alagasundari, told reporters, "It has been 13 years of torture. They kept demanding a plot of land and more gold. Her father-in-law sexually harassed her. She had been hinting at this. Her husband would drink, beat her, and ask her to silently endure everything. They wouldn't let her visit us and threatened they wouldn't take her back if she did."

A case of suicide has been filed and police are investigating the allegations.

"She alleges sexual harassment by her father-in-law. We are investigating that angle," a senior police officer confirmed to NDTV.

When asked specifically about the family's claims of dowry harassment, the officer said: "They were married 13 years ago. So it may not technically come under the Dowry Prohibition Act, but we are examining all aspects."

The case has sparked outrage and raised fresh concerns over women facing  domestic violence.

Activists have urged a thorough and sensitive investigation into Ranjitha's death.