Investigation launched after man kills wife by setting her on fire in Georgia’s west

Georgia’s interior ministry has launched an investigation after a man in the western region of Imereti killed his estranged wife by dousing her in petrol and setting her on fire on Thursday.

Local media outlet Interpressnews said the 41-year-old man had received third- and fourth-degree burns himself in the act that took place in a supermarket in the town of Terjola.

The assailant is currently in an intensive care unit with burns on 60 to 70 percent of his body, after being admitted to a medical centre in the town.

The ministry’s investigation is ongoing with an article involving "intentional murder committed against a family member with special cruelty", the state body told agenda.ge.

The crime is punishable by 17 to 20 years in prison.