You are wrong.That practice was everywhere. In Bengal Widows used to be burnt alive with heavy sound around so that no one can hear her scream.But thanks to great reformer Raja Rammohan Roy who requested the British ruler to ban it and gained public support. It was banned in 1829

Today, criticizing Hinduism for Sati is meaningless and is not worthy. There are other things in Hinduism --- like caste hatred ---- that should be criticized. Criticizing 'Sati Pratha' at present is a waste of time.