Young Woman Burned to Death in Rawalpindi, Man Critically Injured

RAWALPINDI: A young woman was burned to death while a man suffered critical burn injuries in a horrifying incident reported in Liaquat Colony on Chakri Road in Rawalpindi, police said on Friday.

According to police sources, both the woman and the man were set on fire while present inside a local sitting area. The woman died at the scene, while the man sustained nearly 90 percent burns and was shifted to a hospital in critical condition.

Initial reports had suggested the possibility of an honour killing, but investigators later said no evidence supporting that angle had emerged so far.

Police said forensic teams and investigators collected evidence from the crime scene, adding that the actual facts would become clear after the post-mortem examination and completion of the investigation.

According to preliminary findings by Rawalpindi Police, the 40-year-old injured man was allegedly in love with a woman identified as Misbah.

Investigators believe the suspect, reportedly distressed after facing rejection in love, sprinkled petrol on the woman and set her on fire before also setting himself ablaze.

Police have recorded the suspect’s initial statement while he remains under treatment in hospital.

A spokesperson for Rawalpindi Police said Syed Khalid Hamdani took notice of the incident and directed the SP Saddar to submit a detailed report and personally inspect the situation at the scene.

The spokesperson added that investigations are being conducted from all possible angles and that authorities are committed to determining the facts strictly on merit.