Patna, Feb. 7: A 37-year-old woman, along with her three minor children, was set on fire late last night at Arnia village in Vaishali district allegedly by her husband and in-laws after being accused of stealing ornaments of her sister-in-law.

The mother of three, Simpy Devi, succumbed to burn injuries at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) this morning. Her three daughters — Anchal (2), Sushma (5) and Sony (7) — died last night on the spot under Jandaha police station, around 35km northeast from here.

Simpy was initially admitted to Jandaha government hospital. She was referred to PMCH later.

In her dying declaration before the doctors at the Jandaha hospital, Simpy alleged that she and her three children were set on fire by her husband Devendra Singh and other in-laws after accusing her of stealing ornaments of her sister in-law Bibha.

Vaishali superintendent of police (SP) Upendra Kumar Sinha said a complaint had been lodged against Devendra, his mother, father and Bibha on the basis of the statement of Simpy’s brother Santosh Kumar.

The accused are absconding, said Jandaha police station house officer Daya Shanker.

The SP said Simpy told the doctors that the accused confined her and her three children to a room last evening, poured kerosene on them and subsequently burnt them. Her daughters died on the spot. But some neighbours rescued her hearing her cry for help.

One of the neighbours informed Simpy’s parents, residents of Bharthua village, about the development over phone. Santosh rushed to the spot and admitted her to the Jandaha hospital, from where she was shifted to the PMCH.