The deceased, identified as Shabana Nisha alias Rani, succumbed to her injuries on Friday evening at around 4:30 pm while undergoing treatment at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital (DKS), Raipur. Doctors said she had sustained nearly 95 per cent burn injuries and remained in critical condition throughout her treatment.

The incident occurred on January 22 in the Pachripara area under the City Kotwali police station limits. According to police officials, a team comprising police personnel and court staff had reached the house to enforce a district court order for handing over possession of the property to the owner. During discussions at the site, Shabana reportedly went inside the house, poured kerosene on herself and emerged engulfed in flames.

Eyewitnesses said that seeing the sudden blaze, police and court staff stepped back, while local residents rushed forward to extinguish the fire using blankets and other available materials. By the time the flames were put out, Shabana had suffered extensive burns. She was first taken to the district hospital and later referred to DKS Hospital in Raipur due to the severity of her injuries.

Family members said Shabana had been living in the same house for nearly four decades as a tenant. Her maternal uncle, Liaqat Ali, stated that she had been under pressure to vacate the house for the past four to five months. According to the family, Shabana wanted to purchase the property so she could continue living there, but the landlord refused. The dispute escalated and eventually reached the district court, which ruled in favour of the property owner and ordered eviction.

Doctors at DKS Hospital said Shabana’s condition was extremely critical from the time she was admitted. Despite intensive care and treatment, she could not recover and died on the eighth day of hospitalization.

Shabana Nisha was politically active and associated with the Congress party. She had contested the last municipal corporation elections as a Congress candidate from Ward No. 28 in Pachripara, Durg, though she did not win.

Police officials said a detailed inquiry is underway to examine all aspects of the incident, including the execution of the court order and the events leading up to the self-immolation. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.