BHOPAL: A woman who was allegedly beaten, strangled and set on fire by her husband in Chhatarpur survived the night hiding in a haystack before walking nearly 4 km to a police station – only to plead with officers not to register an FIR against him, citing the future of her children.The incident took place in Naya Chandrapur locality under Civil Lines police station limits on Sunday.The survivor, Rashmi Rajput, told police that her husband, Raju Rajput, assaulted her throughout the day. He assaulted her in the morning and tried to hang her with a noose. She somehow managed to escape, she said in her statement.According to her account, between 4 pm and 5 pm, her husband allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze. As flames engulfed her, she ran to save herself while he chased her. In a desperate attempt to survive, she hid inside a haystack and remained there the entire night despite severe burn injuries. At daybreak, still in pain and partially burnt, she walked about 4 km to Civil Lines police station and narrated her ordeal. Police immediately sent her to the district hospital for treatment. Doctors said she has suffered serious burn injuries but is currently stable. However, the woman reportedly requested police not to register a case against her husband, saying she was worried about the future of her children if he was jailed.Police said her statement is being recorded and the matter is under examination. Police said legal provisions will be followed in accordance with the law, regardless of the request. The accused husband is currently absconding. Investigation is underway.
