Senior citizen sets herself ablaze in Ahmedabad, dies on the spot

An elderly woman, reportedly distressed by prolonged illness and loneliness, died by suicide in a public area of Vatva in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, police said. The shocking incident, which was captured on CCTV cameras installed nearby, has left local residents shaken.

The deceased has been identified as Gauriben Patel, a senior citizen who, according to preliminary inquiries, had been living alone and had been unwell for a considerable period. Investigators said she allegedly poured an inflammable substance over herself and set herself ablaze in full public view.

Passers-by and nearby shopkeepers rushed to the spot on noticing the flames and attempted to intervene. However, due to the severity of the burn injuries, she succumbed at the scene before emergency medical assistance could be provided.

Police officials from the Vatva Police Station reached the location shortly after being alerted and cordoned off the area. The body was later sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.

The entire episode was recorded on CCTV cameras installed in the vicinity. Officers are scrutinising the footage to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine whether any external factors contributed to the incident. Initial findings suggest that the woman had been mentally and physically distressed due to her long-standing illness and solitary life.

A case of accidental death has been registered, and statements of family members, neighbours and local residents are being recorded as part of the inquest proceedings. Police said further investigation is under way.