A woman set herself ablaze on a road in a residential area in Haridevpur on Monday evening and died in hospital.
Before her death, she named a man — Subir Biswas — who had allegedly driven her to suicide by threatening to circulate her private videos on social media.
Police said they have started a case based on the dying declaration of the woman.
The incident happened around 8pm on Monday. “Someone alerted the Lalbazar control room by calling 100. The caller said a woman had set herself ablaze at Banerjeepara in Haridevpur. She was taken to the burns unit of MR Bangur Hospital, where she died,” said an officer at Lalbazar.
A police team went to the spot and seized a bottle of kerosene, a matchbox and a burned match, the officer said.
“In the presence of the on-duty doctor, the victim’s statement was recorded. She said a man named Subir Biswas was threatening to malign her by circulating and publishing her personal and intimate videos on social media. She said that prompted her to end her life,” said the officer.
Following her death, a case has been initiated under the IPC section dealing with abetment to suicide based on her statement.
The police said a search has been launched for the accused person.
A senior police officer said it is always advisable to report any offence to the police instead of ending one’s life.
“Had the woman reported to us about the blackmail before taking the drastic step, she would have been alive today. We always encourage women to report any crime against them, instead of being deterred by any fear of stigma,” said an officer at Lalbazar.