Man sets 25-year-old woman on fire

Nellore: A 25-year-old woman was set on fire allegedly by a person on Monday morning as she resisted his sexual advances. Her condition is stated to be critical. She was admitted in Gudur Area hospital with 50 per cent burns. The incident occurred at Venkatareddy Palem of Vakadu mandal in the district. The victim is a resident of Vakadu mandal and has been working in a hatchery at Chittedu.

According to sources, the victim was returning to the village from the hatchery after finishing her work early in the morning. The accused Krishna who is also working in another hatchery at Thupulipalem had attacked and set her on fire.

“He has been harassing me for the last one year. I requested him to change his behaviour too. But, he said that he would drop me at the village while I was purchasing vegetables in Vakadu. I believed and travelled with him for some time on his motorbike. While on the way to my village he poured kerosene on me and set me on fire,’” said the victim.

The locals immediately informed the Vakadu police who first admitted the woman to a local hospital. Later, she was shifted to Gudur Area Hospital for better treatment. The accused is absconding. Vakadu police registered a case and began investigation.