Councillor set ablaze by husband

By Our Staff Reporter

CUDDAPAH, NOV. 2. A woman councillor, of the 17th ward in the Cuddapah Municipality, Mrs. Gulzar Begum (45), was battling for life with 80 per cent burns In Cuddapah Government hospital on Friday, after she was allegedly doused with kerosene and set ablaze by her husband, Hafizullah Khan, on Thursday evening.

Gulzar Begum, in a statement recorded by the police, alleged that Khan had been suspecting her on flimsy grounds since their marriage 23 years ago and had often beaten her up. She alleged that she had been meted out the same treatment on Thursday evening as she instantly opened the door on hearing him knock at it, by questioning if she was awaiting somebody's arrival.

Mrs. Begum alleged that she had sat weeping in another room, when her husband had poured kerosene over her and set her ablaze before fleeing. On hearing her cries, neighbours put off the flames, but she sustained 80 per cent burns. They admitted her to the Cuddapah Government hospital in a critical condition. Gulzar Begum, possessing B.Sc., B.Ed. qualifications, was elected 17th ward councillor by a toss of coin in March after her nearest rival and she secured equal number of votes. The police took Khan into custody and registered a case.

The Cuddapah Municipal Chairman, Mr. Md. Ahmedullah, vice- chairperson, Mrs. B. Padmavathi, and several councillors visited the hospital and offered their one-month salaries for her treatment. Several women councillors led by Mrs. M.K. Ratna Kumari and Mrs. K. Ramalakshmamma called on the Collector, Mr. K. Chandramouli, on Friday and demanded stern action against the councillor's husband.

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Section  : Southern States
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