J&K: Udhampur Woman Dies After Stepson Sets Her Ablaze, Accused Arrested

A 42-year-old woman died after her stepson allegedly poured petrol or diesel on her and set her ablaze at their home in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday evening. Police have arrested the accused.

The woman, identified as Sushma Devi, was allegedly attacked inside her house in the Housing Colony area. She suffered burns over around 70 per cent of her body.

Neighbours and family members rushed her to the District Hospital in Udhampur. Doctors later referred her to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, for specialised treatment, but she succumbed to her injuries.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. The motive behind the incident has not been established.

Juvenile Cases in Jammu and Kashmir

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, registered cases involving juveniles in conflict with the law in Jammu and Kashmir rose from 171 in 2020 to 323 in 2021 and 361 in 2022.

A retrospective psychiatric study published in 2024 by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir examined juvenile offenders and found that common charges included offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Legal and mental health experts in the Union Territory have pointed to family conflict, severe financial stress and a lack of parental guidance as factors that can contribute to some juveniles entering the justice system. They have also noted that many are first-time offenders rather than habitual criminals.