India, May 1 -- Former union minister and veteran Congress leader Girija Vyas, 78, who suffered burn injuries on March 31 while performing aarti at home in Udaipur, passed away at Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad on Thursday, her brother Gopal Sharma said.

She had been undergoing treatment for burn injuries sustained during a Ganagaur puja ceremony at her residence. According to her family, she had sustained 90% burns after her chunni, or long scarf, caught fire. A domestic staff member quickly intervened, and she was rushed to a local private hospital before being referred to Ahmedabad where she died.

Her body is being brought to Udaipur, where arrangements for her final rites are being made.

Vyas has served as union minister, chairperson ...