Woman dies after allegedly being set on fire for not voting Shiv Sena

A 65-year-old woman died in a Nashik hospital on Tuesday after she was set on fire for allegedly not voting for the Shiv Sena. The incident took place on 18 October. DNA reported that , “The three persons – Ashok Bornare (38), Pandurang Bornare (45) and Nandkishore Bhurak (40) – all residents of Babhulgaon, who were arrested on Friday, were remanded in magisterial custody on Monday.” There were, however, contradicting accounts of what really happened with Zelubai Wabale who hails from Babhulgaon in Yeola. [caption id=“attachment_1767273” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] While she had said that she was set on fire by the three men after she told them she hadn’t voted for Sena, her son and daughter told the police that her saree caught fire from an LPG stove. Zelubai told Times of India that she was asked to press the “third button” on the EVM, which was in the name of Shiv Sena’s Sambhaji Pawar. The three men reportedly met her again outside the polling booth and threatened to kill her, saying they had seen she had pressed the second button, which was in the name of NCP’s Chhagan Bhujbal, reported ToI.   However, later Zelubai gave another statement to the police saying no one had burnt her, but her saree had caught fire from the stove. DNA quoted police superintendent Sanjay Mohit as saying, “Police investigation is not based only on the first or the second statement of the victim. We have to consider, other facts and evidences to proceed with the investigation. I have given 21 points to be investigated. Irrespective of the fact that the victim has expired, investigation will continue.” The police has said they have not found any evidence to match with Zelubai’s statements.