Thrissur, Apr 4(Agencies): A 22-year-old engineering student was set ablaze by her lover as she rejected his marriage proposal.
The 32-year-old attacker was immediately nabbed by the people in the vicinity as the gruesome act was being committed. However, they were unable to save the woman.
The perpetrator, identified as Nitish, arrived at the victim's home around 7 a.m. Following an argument he doused her in petrol, which he was already carrying and set her ablaze, an officer attached to the Nedupuzha police station said.
According to reports, accused Nitish and the engineering student were in love for the past three years. The accused was insisting on marriage but she had refused it several times as she wanted to continue her studies and find a good job. On the fateful day, the accused came to her house and had a long chat with the girl. He also asked her about marriage to which she did not show any interest. Infuriated with this, the accused first stabbed her and then set her ablaze.
Neighbours and passersby had rushed to the victims home hearing her pleas for help. They tried to douse the flames, but nothing could be done to save her. Nitish, meanwhile tried to escape, but was overpowered and handed to the police.
The victim was living with her grandparents, as her father had deserted the family, while her mother had passed away .
Nitish was produced before a court and has been sent to judicial custody.