YAMUNANAGAR: Upset for being subjected to mental and physical torture by an alcoholic son over money matters, a 70-year-old widow self immolated at Burhia village of Jagadhari on Monday. Victim Bimla Devi's charred body was found outside the residence of the accused, her son Harjinder, who was arrested in a case of abetment to suicide registered at Burhia police station.

The body was first spotted by villagers who informed the sarpanch. A police team headed by SHO

took the body for postmortem. SHO Sukh Ram, the investigating officer, said a case was registered on the complaint of Bimla's daughter Rajni.

Rajni accused Harjinder of having forced their mother to take such extreme step as she was tortured for money she got in lieu of selling agriculture land.

"Rajni said that the victim had recently sold land for Rs 80,000 and she gave Rs 35,000 to Harjinder. However, he asked for more money. There were occasions when Bimla was forced to sleep in their neighbour's home," said the investigating officer.

Harjinder, a daily wager, refused to change his attitude towards his mother despite being counselled by relatives, the officer said.