THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a disturbing incident, a man set a woman on fire in Thiruvananthapuram’s Chenkottukonam on Monday night. Saritha (40) was rushed to hospital after suffering a serious injury in the attack made by Powdikonam native Binu, who is reported to be her friend.

Binu in a bid to kill Saritha asked her out of the house and set her on fire. Petrol was used to spread the fire. After this, Binu jumped into a well in a purported suicide attempt. It is reported that the young woman suffered 80 per cent burns on her body. While doing the crime, Binu also suffered burn injuries which caught the eyes of a neighbour, who came for help, However, seeing the neighbour approach him, Binu ran away and jumped into the well.

Both of them are currently under treatment in Thiruvananthapuram Hospital where Saritha’s condition is said to be critical.