Woman set afire at Addagutta

Hyderabad: A woman was set ablaze at Addagutta on Monday by a group of people following an argument. Her condition is said to be critical.

The victim Ms Chandrakala, 45, her son and her relatives had gone to one Mallesh’s home to settle an issue that had taken place on Sunday morning. However, following an argument Mallesh, his nephew Bunty and others attacked them. They threw chilli powder on her face and beat her. Later, Bunty poured a bottle of petrol on her and set her ablaze.

Ms Chandrakala, who works as a maid, lives with her family near Mallesh’s house in Addagutta.

The families had been arguing over some iron construction rods that Mallesh had dumped near Ms Chandrakala’s house, due to which the place had become congested.

“One Sunday night Mallesh abused them and the two families quarreled. Locals informed dial 100 and patrol teams had to disperse the crowd,” said sub inspector L. Samiya Naik.

On Monday morning, Mallesh, Bunty and his supporters attacked Krishna, Chandrakala’s son. “Chandrakala went to his rescue. They threw chilli powder on them and beat them with cricket bats and Bunty poured petrol on her and set her ablaze while others were looking,” said Yellamma, Chandrakala’s elder sister. She suffered 45 per cent burns and was rushed to a hospital. Police has registered an attempt to murder case and has arrested Mallesh, Bunty and six others. Two others are absconding.