A court in India has handed down a death sentence to a man for the heinous act of burning his wife alive, motivated by her skin color. This tragic episode underscores the deep-seated issues of colorism, a significant social challenge in the region.
In her distressing account before her death, Lakshmi had disclosed how her husband, Kishandas, routinely mocked her for her darker complexion. District Judge Rahul Choudhary declared the murder to be one of the 'rarest of the rare' cases, denouncing it as a 'crime against humanity.'
The details of the case are harrowing. During the incident on June 24, 2017, Kishandas allegedly used a brown liquid he claimed was a skin-lightening remedy, which he then set ablaze, resulting in severe burns to Lakshmi. Despite being taken to the hospital by his family, she succumbed to her injuries.
Kishandas's defense claims he is innocent and intends to appeal the verdict. However, the brutality of the crime has intensified discussions around the societal preference for lighter skin in India, where women with darker skin often face derogatory treatment and discrimination.
Public prosecutor Dinesh Paliwal praised the ruling as a historic step that aims to serve as a cautionary tale against domestic violence and color prejudice. He highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals within society, like Lakshmi.
This case and its subsequent conviction shine a light on India's troubling infatuation with fair skin, where skin-lightening products are a billion-dollar industry, and social attitudes still favor lighter-skinned individuals in marriage and employment. Campaigners are challenging these damaging norms, but progress remains challenging.
Ultimately, without substantial societal shifts, the harmful mindset that led to Lakshmi's tragic fate will likely persist, threatening the lives of many others.
