New Delhi,

A soldier, home on leave, was arrested after he poured kerosene on his wife and set her ablaze following a heated argument over a "petty issue" Friday, police said. The woman who sustained 80 percent burns is in a critical condition.

The incident was reported from east Delhi's Jafarabad area. 

"Hasmuddin Khan, 45, posted with 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles as a subedar, was arrested for setting his wife Rukhsana, 38, ablaze after a heated exchange of words with her over a trivial matter," said a police officer.

Rukhsana was taken to the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital by her son Ajam Khan, who also informed police.

"During investigation, we learnt Hasmuddin came to Delhi on a month's leave. He was to return for duty Oct 23," said the officer.

By:IANS