Rajasthan Man Burns Wife Alive Over Her Skin and Weight
A Rajasthan court has awarded the death penalty to a man for burning his wife alive after mocking her for being “dark and overweight.” The judgment, delivered by the Udaipur Mavli Court, is being seen as a strong reminder that cruelty disguised as care can destroy lives and mental health.
The court stressed that the punishment was essential not only to deliver justice to the victim but also to send a stern message against the psychological abuse and violence women often face over body image and appearance.
A Crime Hidden Behind “Fair Treatment”
The tragic incident dates back to 24 June 2017 in Udaipur’s Vallabhnagar area. The victim, Lakshmi Vaishnav, gave a dying statement in hospital where she revealed years of mental torment. Her husband, Kishandas alias Kishanlal, regularly taunted her for being “dark and overweight,” which caused her constant emotional pain and humiliation.
On the night of the incident, he misled her by saying he had brought medicine to make her skin fairer. Once inside their room, he stripped her, applied a foul-smelling chemical to her body, and set her on fire using an incense stick. Although family members tried to save her, Lakshmi could not survive the brutal burns.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
After the incident, Kishanlal was arrested, and the Vallabhnagar police filed murder charges. During the trial, Additional Public Prosecutor Dineshchandra Paliwal presented 14 witnesses and 36 pieces of documentary evidence, including Lakshmi’s dying declaration, forensic reports, and medical proof.
The court found the case strong and airtight. Judge Rahul Chaudhary remarked that the act was not only a crime against one woman but “an offence against humanity itself.” He further stated that leniency would send a wrong message and that only the harshest punishment could restore public confidence in justice.
The Psychological Dimension
This case highlights how psychological abuse can escalate into extreme violence. Continuous taunts about weight, skin colour, or appearance can severely impact a person’s self-esteem, leading to deep emotional scars. In Lakshmi’s case, the emotional trauma of repeated insults was compounded by betrayal, when her husband disguised cruelty as “treatment.”
Mental health experts emphasise that constant body-shaming or derogatory remarks within relationships should not be dismissed as minor. Such behaviour can create a cycle of stress, anxiety, and depression, often leaving victims vulnerable and trapped in abusive environments.
Conclusion
The court sentenced Kishanlal to death under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) along with a fine of ₹50,000. He was, however, acquitted of charges under Section 304B. Prosecutor Paliwal stated that the crime was so heinous that the man could not be reformed or reintegrated into society.
This judgment serves as a landmark decision in addressing not just physical violence but also the psychological harm rooted in body-shaming and societal obsession with appearance. It reinforces the need for awareness around the mental health consequences of verbal abuse, taunting, and unrealistic beauty standards.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 1 September 2025
- 15:00
