Raipur: A Class 11 student from Surajpur district in Chhattisgarh has died after suffering 95% burn injuries following a dispute with her boyfriend over a mobile phone. The deceased, 17-year-old Monika Singh alias Mona, a resident of Gorakhnathpur village, passed away during treatment in Raipur on Sunday morning.
The incident falls under Bishrampur police station limits. According to police, the girl was found severely burnt near a culvert on the Bishrampur–Bhatgaon road around 9 am on Saturday. She was initially taken to a Community Health Centre and later shifted to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital. For advanced treatment, she was referred to Mekahara Hospital, Raipur, where she succumbed to her injuries on April 5, 2025.
Dispute Over Instalment-Based Mobile Phone
Police investigation revealed that Monika had been in a relationship for two years with Bhupendra Singh, a resident of Ramnagar. The couple had reportedly purchased a mobile phone on instalments. Bhupendra had paid part of the amount, while Monika was supposed to pay the remaining balance. When she failed to do so, Bhupendra took back the phone, leading to a heated argument.
Alleged Suicide Threat and Petrol Purchase
On Friday evening, Monika went to Bhupendra’s house in Ramnagar and stayed overnight. On Saturday morning, she again asked for the phone, but Bhupendra refused. She then allegedly threatened to set herself on fire.
Police sources said Monika had purchased petrol worth ₹100 from a local shop. However, Bhupendra reportedly took the petrol from her and poured it into his motorcycle tank. He then dropped her near ITI Colony, about 500 metres from her home.
Around 30 minutes later, Monika was found with critical burn injuries, raising serious questions about the circumstances.
Investigation Underway
Police have detained Bhupendra Singh for questioning. Additional SP Abhishek Paikra said that the statements given by the युवक are being verified. While police suspect suicide, they are probing all possible angles to determine the exact cause of the incident.
After the post-mortem, the body has been sent to Gorakhnathpur village for the final rites.
