Kathrine Frich
Police in Delhi are investigating a horrifying domestic assault after a woman allegedly poured hot oil on her sleeping husband before sprinkling chili powder on his burns.
Dinesh Kumar, 28, woke up screaming in pain as his wife stood over him, threatening to “pour more” if he shouted.
The attack in the middle of the night
The assault reportedly happened around 3:15 a.m. while Dinesh was sleeping beside his wife Sadhna and their daughter.
He told police he was jolted awake by “a burning pain” across his face and torso.
When he opened his eyes, he saw his wife holding a tub of boiling oil. “If you shout, I will pour more oil on you,” she warned.
A second wave of cruelty
Before he could move or call for help, Sadhna allegedly grabbed a handful of red chili powder and sprinkled it directly onto his open burns.
The combination of hot oil and chili caused excruciating pain, leaving Dinesh in agony as he tried to escape. His screams soon drew the attention of neighbours.
Neighbours hear screams and rush to help
People living nearby said they heard terrifying cries from the couple’s flat but were unable to get in.
“We went upstairs, but his wife wasn’t opening the door,” said Anjali, the landlord’s daughter.
“He kept shouting that she had poured hot oil and chili powder on him.”
The landlord then called Dinesh’s brother-in-law, who arrived to help take him to hospital.
Rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries
Dinesh was initially treated at a local clinic before being moved to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi due to the severity of his burns.
Doctors described his condition as “dangerous,” with extensive damage to his face, chest, and upper body. He remains under medical care while police gather evidence.
Police launch investigation but no arrests yet
Officers registered the case at Ambedkar Nagar police station, taking Dinesh’s statement and securing medical documentation.
Investigators say no arrests have been made yet, as they are still collecting testimonies and reviewing the couple’s history of domestic disputes.
Years of tension in the marriage
The couple had been married for eight years and had a turbulent relationship, according to local reports.
Police confirmed they had been called to the home on previous occasions due to arguments.
“Our investigation revealed that the woman had earlier filed a complaint against her husband two years ago,” said an officer. “She filed another complaint a few weeks ago.”
A history of unresolved conflict
Though earlier disputes were reportedly settled through the Crime Against Women Cell, tensions appear to have reignited recently.
Neighbours said the pair often argued, and that a quarrel had taken place just hours before the alleged assault.
Dinesh’s account of the night
Dinesh told investigators he returned home late from work, had dinner, and went to bed without further argument.
He claims the attack came without warning and that he has no idea what triggered it.
“I didn’t have time to react. I woke up, and she was already standing there,” he said in his hospital statement.
Police appeal for witnesses and forensic clarity
Authorities are now reviewing forensic evidence from the couple’s home and questioning neighbours.
Officers say they need to confirm how the oil was heated and whether anyone else was present in the house.
“The matter is under detailed investigation,” one official said.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
