Phagwara: A doctor originally from Phagwara has died in a house fire in England, triggering grief in the local medical community and raising allegations of domestic abuse and possible foul play by her family.
The deceased, Dr Shivani, died after a fire broke out at her home late at night. Her family has alleged domestic abuse and conspiracy involving her in-laws, while her husband’s family has denied the allegations and attributed the incident to a possible electrical short circuit or heater malfunction.
According to the information available, neighbours noticed smoke coming from the house and alerted emergency services. Fire and rescue personnel reached the scene and brought the couple out of the house.
Despite medical assistance, Dr Shivani died. Preliminary information suggests she suffered from smoke inhalation and burns.
Her husband, Dilawar Kataria, sustained serious injuries in the fire and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. He is reportedly in a coma and receiving ventilator support.
Dr Shivani’s father, Dr KK Verma, a prominent doctor in Phagwara, has rejected the possibility that the incident was merely accidental. Speaking to reporters, he alleged that his daughter had faced mental distress, physical abuse and domestic violence after her marriage in 2023 and subsequent move to England with her husband for professional work.
The family, supported by members of the medical community, has approached India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in the UK, seeking an impartial and thorough investigation to establish whether the fire was deliberately caused.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the cause of the fire remains subject to investigation.
