A woman allegedly poured boiled water on her former husband’s body while he was asleep in bed early yesterday.
The victim was Moktar Hossain, 38, who lives with his two children – Ratri and Bijoy - at Rupnagar in Mirpur of the capital.
Moktar, a garment waste trader who hails from Narayanganj, rented the drawing room of the flat to another family, who first heard his screams. He was taken to the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
Mysterious entry to flat
The victim’s brother Amir Hossain told the Dhaka Tribune Josna, who Moktar divorced 10 years ago in the wake of family conflicts, often visits her former husband and get into quarrels.
“My brother did not like Josna’s visits and told her many times not to come but she kept doing so,” said Amir.
“Josna came to the house around 10pm on Sunday and asked my brother to let her stay the night with the children. However, my brother did not let her in and slammed the door in her face,” he said.
It was not clear how Josna got in but Amir claimed the 30-year-old woman poured boiling water on Moktar when he was in deep sleep around 5:30am yesterday and left the scene at once.
Moktar’s son Bijoy said Josna stayed with him at night but could not say who allowed her inside.
45% burnt
Moktar sustained severe burn injuries in the upper part of his body and also in the face.
Partha Shankar Paul, resident doctor of the DMCH burn unit, said his condition was critical.
“Around 45% of the body was burnt badly. His eyes are also in serious condition,” he said.
Murder threats
Amir told the Dhaka Tribune that Josna threatened four days ago that she would kill Moktar within the next five days.
“She demanded Tk5 lakh from my brother many times but he refused to pay. She also got into disputes with my brother on the road many times in the past,” he said.
Moktar’s sister Shahida said Josna pulled the collar of her brother in broad daylight on the street five months ago.
“She said many times that she would keep visiting my brother to see the children until she was paid a large sum,” she added.
Officer-in-Charge of Rupnagar police station Shikdar Mohammad Shamim Hossain told the Dhaka Tribune a case was lodged against Josna.
“We sent a team to the hospital to collect all the necessary information. We are also trying to detain the accused but she is on the run,” added Shamim.