A domestic worker, Maya (name changed) succumbed to burn injuries after she immolated herself in Ballari district. The 18-year-old took the extreme step on April 15 after allegedly being harassed and strip-searched for two weeks by her employer, Mehul Kantilal, who accused her of stealing gold from his house.

The deceased belonged to the Valmiki community and had been working for Kantilal for two years. 

Maya set herself on fire in her house in Bandimot and was admitted in VIMS hospital. 28 days later, she died at around 6 am on Saturday.

Her mother, Yaramma, filed a complaint against Kantilal on April 16 at the APMC police station. According to the complaint, Kantilal first accusing the deceased of theft on April 2. Since then, the family allegedly strip-searched her many times for over 2 weeks. They even threatened to send her to jail.

Kantilal was arrested on April 17 for harassment and he was granted bail on May 2.

According to the district police an application has been written challenging the court’s grant of bail to Mehul. However, the officials refused to reveal when it was sent to the court.

Chethan R, superintendent of police, Ballari district said, “The accused, Mehul Kantilal, was sent to judicial custody. The lower court sent him out on bail on condition that he should cooperate with the investigation.”

He added that a case of abetment of suicide against the accused would be filed.