A 19-year-old women apparently committed suicide by burning herself inside her bedroom and in course burnt down four houses at Jhagarupuruwa in Gulariya-10, Bardiya, on Thursday. Police identified the woman as Punam Mallaha. 

Her husband, Biharilal, told police that his wife had locked herself in the bedroom after an argument three days ago. She had reportedly refused to come out of the bedroom and had not eaten anything.

The couple had married just 10 months ago. Police Inspector Him Shahi said they were treating the case as a suicide investigation. 

Police have taken statements from Punam’s husband, his family members and neighbours after the incident.