Rajshahi: A 40-year-old woman is fighting for life at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital after her friend allegedly poured petrol and set her on fire for objecting extramarital affairs with her husband.

Witnesses said a woman on Thursday night allegedly threw petrol and set Rekha Begum, wife of Kamrul Islam, on fire at 7:30 pm in Dorgapara area in Rajshahi city while she was walking along the bank of the Padma River.

Immediately after the incident, the victim jumped off the river to save herself. Later, local people rescued her and sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital where she was wailing with 80 per cent burns.

The incident took place after Rekha reportedly objected her husband’s extramarital relationship with her friend Ferdousi Khatun, said Nowshad Ali, brother of the victim.

RMCH burn unit doctor Afroza Najnin said, ‘Rekha suffered 80 per cent burns. Her condition is very critical. She needs better treatment in Dhaka.’

Meanwhile, police detained Ferdousi as per victim’s statement, said Aman Ullah, officer-in-charge of Boalia Model Police Station.

Ferdousi, however, denied her involvement in the incident during police interrogation, the OC added.

A case will be filed in this connection, he also said.