Date:22/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/22/stories/2008082259740500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Youth “burnt by lover” succumbs

Staff Reporter

Decision to marry another woman triggers heartburn

Both used to work in an apparel company
He was reportedly doused in kerosene, set afire

HYDERABAD: A youngster, who was set on fire by his ‘former lover’ five days ago reportedly angered over his decision to marry another woman, succumbed to burns on Thursday.

Based on the statement of the victim, G. Jagjivan Reddy, 24, recorded earlier, the Dundigal police altered the section of law from attempt to murder to murder against the accused woman, P. Sandhya. Both Reddy and Sandhya used to work in Cherma’s apparel company as store keeper and machine operator, respectively.

“Inquiries revealed that they fell in love and wanted to get married. But it is learnt that Reddy’s family members did not agree to their marriage,” the Dundigal Inspector Venkat Reddy told reporters.

Invites him to tea

Meanwhile, Reddy’s marriage was fixed with another woman. He started distributing wedding invitation cards when Sandhya allegedly rang up him stating that she wanted to meet him. Both of them met at Bachupally on August 16 evening.

Sandhya invited him to her house in Sai Baba Nagar of Suraram for a cup of tea. None of Sandhya’s family members were at home when they went there. While speaking to him, she asked him to heat some water.

“As he was earlier close to her, unsuspecting Reddy went into the kitchen and lit the stove when the woman came and poured kerosene over him,” the Inspector explained.

She later allegedly set him on fire.

Police said Sandhya too sustained minor burns. They were shifted to a hospital. While the woman recovered, Reddy died of burns on Thursday evening.