Woman sets herself on fire at Bijnor Kotwali police station over sexual assault case

A 20-year-old woman attempted self-immolation at the Bijnor Kotwali police station in Bijnor at around 11 p.m. on Sunday, demanding action against a man she accused of sexual assault and breach of promise to marry. The woman sustained 50 to 60 percent burns during the incident.

According to Bijnor Superintendent of Police Abhishek Jha, the woman poured an inflammable substance on herself and set herself on fire inside the police station premises. Police personnel rescued her and rushed her to a hospital, from where she was referred to a higher medical center in Meerut for further treatment.

The woman had previously lodged a case in 2024 against a resident of Swaheri village and his family members under rape-related charges. She filed another complaint in 2025, alleging the man established a relationship with her and subsequently refused to marry her.

Following the 2025 complaint, the police submitted a chargesheet, but the accused obtained a stay against his arrest from the high court.

On Sunday night, the woman arrived at the Kotwali police station, demanding that the accused party be summoned immediately for discussions. Police personnel assured her that the other party would be called on Monday.

During this time, the woman's stepfather allegedly brought a bottle containing an inflammable substance to the station. The woman then used the substance to set herself on fire on the premises.

Following the incident, Kotwali in-charge Amar Singh Rathore was suspended. SP Abhishek Jha stated that the Additional SP (City) has been ordered to conduct an inquiry, and CCTV footage from the police station is being examined to identify any lapses.

Meanwhile, the woman’s mother has submitted a complaint alleging that the accused man's family had been mentally harassing her daughter after she filed the initial case.