Ludhiana: In a harrowing incident driven by a suspected vendetta, a 35-year-old woman allegedly set a residence in Gurcharan Nagar ablaze after sprinkling it with petrol on Wednesday. The homeowner, Sukhdeep Kaur, and her two young sons, aged eight and 11, were forced to flee for their lives as flames engulfed part of the house. While the family and neighbours managed to douse the fire, one room was completely gutted before the accused fled the scene.The Daba police arrested the accused on Thursday, identifying her as Prabha Singh of JJ Enclave, Dugri. Investigations revealed that the arson was the latest flashpoint in a long-standing monetary dispute between Prabha and Sukhdeep’s husband, Gian Singh. Interestingly, Prabha had previously lodged an FIR against Gian in 2025 for physical assault. Gian had actually been arrested by the Daba police in that case on Wednesday—the same day as the fire—and was sent to judicial custody on Thursday. However, Prabha reportedly suspected that the police had released him, and in a fit of rage, she targeted his home while his wife and children were inside.According to Kaur’s statement, the sudden attack destroyed a room containing furniture, an LED TV, her children’s school bags, and Rs 1.5 lakh in cash. ASI Gurcharanjit Singh confirmed that the accused was apprehended following the registration of an FIR. The police have booked Prabha Singh under Sections 326(7) (mischief by fire or explosive substance) and 324(4) (mischief causing significant financial damage) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused was produced before a local court, which has granted the police one-day remand for further investigation into the matter.
