Shikha Begum, 18, of Dakhin Shaljana of Mankiganj district was allegedly set on fire by her husband and in-laws for dowry.

On the day of the incident on Wednesday, Shikha , second wife of Mohammad Billal Hussain, was mercilessly beaten by her husband and in-laws as her father failed to meet the demand for Tk one lakh as dowry. They doused her with kerosene and set her on fire.

With fire all over her body, Shikha jumped into a nearby pond.

Later, she was rushed to Shibalay Health Complex in Manikganj.

She was shifted to the burn and plastic surgery unit of DMCH when her condition deteriorated.

Victim's relatives said Billal used to threaten and torture Shikha, daughter of a poor boatman, for dowry.

Shikha filed a case accusing her husband seven-month ago of torturing her for dowry. Police also arrested Billal in this connection. Later he was released from the jail on bail after seven days.

"Billal deliberately killed Shikha to take revenge as she sent him to jail," said the victim's relatives.

Billal along with his family members have been absconding since the incident.