The woman, Noorjahan Sayyed, was rushed to Nair Hospital, where her condition is said to be critical. While Sayyed suffered 90 per cent burns, her husband and three children also suffered burns while trying to save her.

Officers of the Malabar Hill police station said Sayyed took the extreme step after an argument with her husband.

“Sayyed resides with her husband Goru (40), her daughters Mehjabeen (11) and Mehrun (9) and her son Mehtab (8). On seeing that the is not coming to an end, Noorjahan went to their kitchen and poured kerosene on herself. She then set herself ablaze as her shocked husband and children watched on,” a police officer said.

On seeing their mother screaming in pain, the children rushed to try and douse the flames. Noorjahan’s husband Goru also later joined the rescue efforts.

“While the children have escaped with minor burns, Goru has suffered 30 per cent burns. On hearing the commotion, the neighbours also intervened,” said the officer.