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A man in Udaipur, India, was recently sentenced to death after brutally murdering his wife by locking her in a room and setting her on fire because of the colour of her skin
According to reports from the BBC and People Magazine, the incident took place on 24 June 2017, when the accused, Kishandas, targeted his wife, Lakshmi, over the complexion of her skin.
That night, Kishandas gave his wife a brown liquid, claiming it was medicine to lighten her skin, before applying it all over her body.
When Lakshmi noted that it smelled like acid, Kishandas set her on fire with an incense stick, doused her with the remaining liquid, and fled the scene.
Lakshmi was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Image via BBCLakshmi was later rescued by her husband's family and taken to hospital
The victim reportedly provided statements to police, alleging that her husband had repeatedly taunted and body-shamed her for being dark-skinned since their marriage in 2016.
She later succumbed to her injuries.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via New Straits TimesIn court, District Judge Rahul Choudhary condemned the crime, calling it a violation of humanity itself
"It will not be an exaggeration to say that this heart-rending, brutal crime was not just against Lakshmi, but it's a crime against humanity," he said.
The judge added that Kishandas' act of pouring the remaining liquid over his wife was an example of "excessive cruelty" and declared the killing a crime "that cannot even be imagined in a healthy and civilised society".
Kishandas' lawyer, Surendra Kumar Menariya, argued that the death was accidental and claimed there was insufficient evidence.
The defence has 30 days to appeal.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
If you or anyone you know may be at risk of domestic violence, please call these Malaysian hotlines:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
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