Mohali: A Class VIII student, who suffered around 75% burns after allegedly being doused with sanitiser and set on fire, died at PGI on Raksha Bandhan, seven days after the horrific incident in Industrial Area Phase-7.The minor had been battling for life since Aug 21, when she was allegedly burnt alive following a dispute involving the main accused, Deepak Kumar, and her family.The girl’s death turned what should have been a day of celebration for the family into one of mourning. Following her death, Phase-1 police added Section 103(1) of BNS, pertaining to murder, to the case.Police have already arrested main accused Deepak Kumar, along with his father Ramesh and uncle Mohan. The two cousins of the main accused are yet to be arrested.Inspector Sukhvir Singh, SHO, Phase-1 Police Station said, “Murder charge has been added following the minor’s death at PGI. The prime accused is already in police custody.”Police said the minor left her home on Aug 21 to visit her maternal grandparents in Balongi. On the way, she reportedly passed by the house of Deepak Kumar.The police allege that Deepak took the girl inside his house. Meanwhile, her father, who was searching for her, reached Deepak’s house, where an altercation took place between the two.Following the dispute, Deepak and his family members allegedly went to the girl’s house. They reportedly took the minor to the upper floor, poured sanitiser on her and set her on fire.The accused allegedly fled after the incident, leaving the severely burnt girl behind. Her family rushed her to hospital, from where she was subsequently referred to PGI.Minor named Deepak when able to record statementThe girl sustained approximately 75% burns and remained under treatment at PGI for nearly a week. When her condition improved sufficiently for her to give a statement, she reportedly held Deepak Kumar responsible for the incident. Deepak Kumar, a resident of Balongi, was subsequently arrested. During investigation, his father Ramesh and uncle Mohan were also arrested.
