Madhya Pradesh shocker: Mother, 3-year-old year daughter charred to death in Gwalior; family alleges foul play

BHOPAL: A 25-year-old woman with her three-year-old daughter were found burnt to death inside their house in Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh.The incident occurred on Wednesday night in Simaria Tal village, Dabra.

Charred bodies of Uma, also known as Manisha Baghel, and her daughter Jhanvi were discovered in the straw room of the house, wrapped around each other.Neighbours said Manisha had an argument with her husband, Manish Baghel (30), on Wednesday morning. Later, Manish reportedly took his mother to Gwalior for treatment but did not return by night. Around 10 pm, villagers noticed flames and smoke rising from the Baghel residence and rushed to put out the fire.The village chowkidar, who was among the first to spot the blaze, said the main gate was locked from the inside. He climbed onto the roof and saw the mother and daughter trapped in the flames. By the time he managed to open the gate, both had already died.Police said Manisha, a native of Sosa village in Gwalior, had married Manish four years ago. Their daughter Jhanvi was born two years later. Villagers said Manisha had returned to her in-laws’ home from her maternal house just a day before the incident.

Her father alleged that frequent quarrels occurred between Manisha and her husband. There had been a fight on 19 August, after which she went to her brother-in-law Bhure Singh’s house in Gwalior. Manish brought her back on the morning of 20 August, the family said. He further alleged that soon after the incident, Manish and his mother fled to a relative’s house in Antari.Police said preliminary findings suggest the woman may have set herself and the child on fire, though the exact reason remains unclear. A forensic team examined the scene for further evidence. Only four people lived in the house — Manish, his mother, Manisha, and the child. Manish’s younger brother, employed in Pune, is the family’s main breadwinner, as Manish reportedly does not have regular work.Manisha’s family has alleged foul play and demanded a thorough investigation.