According to the police, the absconding accused Shankar Naidu and the victim Bharti Naidu (35) got married in 2000 and were staying together in their house near Bhattipada in Bhandup. “Shankar has been demanding money from Bharti since 2002 by saying that he needed to buy a vehicle and a new house. When Bharti told him that she came from a middle class family and she would not be able to give the money required for buying a vehicle and a house, Shankar started harassing her,” said Senior Police Inspector Prakash Jadhav of the Bhandup police station. As per the statement given by the complainant, Shankar used to beat her up regularly and abuse her verbally.

On December 28, Shankar fought again with Bharti over the money required for buying the vehicle and house. “In the course of the fight, Shankar lost his temper and tried to burn her with a portable stove. Bharti sustained burn injuries in her back, chest and legs. She was rushed to the hospital by her neighbours. She is presently recuperating in the hospital. Shankar fled from the spot when he realised that a complaint may be filed against him with the police and he would be arrested,” said Jadhav.