Man sets ablaze wife in Varkala on fear of desertion

VARKALA: A woman was set ablaze allegedly by her husband over the fear of desertion. She received 70% burns and is undergoing treatment where her condition is stated to be critical.

The man tried to kill his wife, who was sleeping, by pouring kerosene on her body and setting her on fire. The incident occurred Monday morning at around 1.30 am at Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram. Ashokan tried to kill Leela (45) of Ayroor Muthana Ambalathumvila House.

Leela's husband Ashok suffered a stroke a year ago. Although he was treated, he has not recovered from it and is unable to go for work. Leela was looking after the house with the income she gets from work. Ashokan told police that he feared that his wife would desert him and go and this led him to commit the act.

Leela's daughter and granddaughter were at home at the time of the incident. When she rushed to her mother after hearing her screaming, saw her father standing with the kerosene. Leela ran out of the house in acute pain and then fell on the yard. Leela’s daughter immediately poured water and doused the flames. The locals also rushed to the spot hearing the commotion. They immediately took her to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Police rushed to the spot on receiving information and took Ashokan into custody. A case has been registered as per the daughter’s statement.