UP teen dies, lover critical after self-immolation attempt

FIROZABAD: A 19-year-old woman died and her alleged partner is in a critical condition after the two reportedly set themselves on fire inside a locked room in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad, police said on Saturday.The incident took place late Friday night in the Padav Garhiya area under Shikohabad police station limits.Earlier on Friday, a resident of Mainpuri, Avnish Kumar Sharma, had lodged a complaint alleging that Arun Kumar (21), a resident of Mohammadpur Ahir village, had eloped with his 19-year-old niece, Khushi.A case was subsequently registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Later that night, police received information via the UP-112 emergency helpline about loud noises coming from a house in the area. When officers reached the spot and forced open the door, they found Arun and Khushi lying on the floor with severe burn injuries.Both were taken to hospital in Shikohabad and later referred to Agra’s SN Medical College for advanced treatment.Khushi died during treatment on Saturday morning, while Arun, who has suffered around 70 per cent burns, remains in a critical condition, the officer said.Police have recorded Arun’s statement and sent the woman’s body for post-mortem examination.Preliminary findings suggest the incident may be linked to a love affair. Further investigation is underway.