AIDWA protest seeking action against man for burning pregnant wife alive

TIRUCHY: Members of All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) staged a protest on Monday demanding action against a man and his family members for burning a pregnant woman alive in Ariyalur.

Sources said that V Nirmala (26), a resident of Kodukkur village in Ariyalur, was married to M Pugalendi (32) of Silambur village near Andimadam last year. After Nirmala conceived, her family members were planning to organise a baby shower, but Pugalendi and his family demanded seven sovereigns of jewels and cash.

In such a backdrop, on October 2, Nirmala was found dead with severe burns at her in-law’s house. On information, Andimadam police retrieved the body and sent it to Jayankondam GH.

Meanwhile, Nirmala’s mother Neelavathi lodged a complaint with the police suspecting that her daughter was harassed for more dowry and murdered by husband Pugalendi and his family members. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case and during investigation found that Nirmala was burnt alive by Pugalendi and his mother Amutha. The duo were arrested subsequently.

On Monday, AIDWA and DYFI members staged a protest in Ariyalur demanding action against Pugalendi and his family besides seeking compensation to the kin of Nirmala.