Live-in partner chased in car, sets her ablaze, partner arrested

BENGALURU: A 35-year-old woman was set on fire by her partner, a cab driver, in Bengaluru. The woman identified as Vanajakshi, succumbed to burn injuries. Police said the accused Vithal, a habitual drinker, had been married thrice before. Vanajakshi was also married twice, and she started a relationship with him about four years ago.

Vanajakshi had recently separated from Vithal following disputes over his drinking habit. Police said that she had later become friendly with a man named Mariyappa, which angered Vithal. On the day of the incident, while she was returning from the temple with Mariyappa, Vithal followed their car, stopped it at a traffic signal and then doused petrol into the car. When the others got out of the vehicle and fled, Vithal followed Vanajakshi, doused more petrol on her body and set her on fire.

Vanajakshi, who suffered serious burns, was taken to the hospital by the people on the road. Vanajakshi, who suffered 60% burns, succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment. Vithal, who sustained minor burns, was arrested by the police within 24 hours.