A shocking case of domestic violence has come to light in Talas, Kyrgyzstan, where a man doused his wife with gasoline and set her on fire.

The incident occurred in October, but the suspect was detained only four months later, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

The victim’s mother said that the man returned home intoxicated, threatened his wife with an axe, and later set her on fire. The woman was urgently transported to Bishkek, where she spent about a month in intensive care.

Law enforcement officials said a criminal case has been opened under the article “causing grievous bodily harm.” Police clarified that the 27-year-old woman filed an official complaint on February 5, stating that on October 15, 2025, her husband poured gasoline on her during an argument and set her alight.

Earlier, witnesses had claimed the burns were accidental, caused while lighting a stove with gasoline. Due to the severe condition of both spouses at the time, investigators were unable to question them immediately, and the victim only recently reported the domestic violence.

The Talas Regional Police Department confirmed the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, the Kyrgyz Institute of the Ombudsman said the suspect works at the Talas city mayor’s office.

Human rights advocates report that the woman sustained burns to 60 percent of her body and requires further medical treatment, as well as psychological support. She and her children are currently staying in Bishkek as the case continues to draw public attention to the issue of domestic violence in Kyrgyzstan.