Pune: A pregnant woman dies while her husband suffered serious burn injuries after the couple was set ablaze on May 1 allegedly by the woman's family members over inter-caste marriage in Ahmednagar.

The two-month pregnant woman Rukmini Ransingh (19) suffered 70 per cent burn injuries. She passed away on Sunday night while undergoing treatment in a Pune hospital. Her husband Mangesh Ransingh is being treated at the same hospital for 50 per cent burn injuries.

Police said that the incident took place in Nighoj village of Parnar taluka, around 55 kilometres from Ahmednagar city. Police have launched a probe based on the statement recorded by the couple and a dying declaration by Rukmini.

Her uncles Surendra Bhartiya and Ghansham Saroj have been arrested and search is on for her father Rama Bhartiya who is at large.

Police said that Mangesh belongs to Lohar community and works as a mason and Rukmini is from Pasi community. The two married against Rukmini's family's wishes on last Diwali.

The wedding was held at Alandi in Pune due to opposition from the family members, while Rukmini's mother was present at the wedding.

However on April 30, following a petty fight, she went to her father's home.

Meanwhile, on May 1, Rukmini called her husband and asked him to take her back. When Mangesh came, the family refused to let her go. After a quarrel ensued, the two uncles poured petrol over them and set them on fire inside a room, while the father locked them from inside.

On hearing their screams, neighbours took them to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Mangesh's family is demanding justice for the couple.

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