Kurnool:In a horrifying incident, a 17-year-old girl was killed by her classmate for not accepting his “love”. This incident once again highlighted the need to pay attention in the early stages of such harassment incidents. A minor girl from Ramallakota village in Veldurthi mandal was killed after being set on fire by her classmate at Byreddy Nagar in Nandikotkur on Sunday night.
The accused reportedly attacked her following her rejection of his advances. The victim and the accused were studying Intermediate at a local college. Sources revealed that the accused had been harassing the girl for some time with the pretext of love. To protect her from his advances, the girl's parents sent her to her grandmother’s house in Nandikotkur. However, the accused tracked her there and continued his harassment.
Around 3 am on Monday, the accused broke into the house where the girl was staying, locked her inside, stuffed her mouth with a cloth to prevent her from shouting, poured petrol over her and set her on fire. Her agonizing screams alerted relatives and neighbors, but she succumbed to the flames. The accused suffered burn injuries during the attack and attempted to flee the scene. Locals caught him and handed him over to the police. Police admitted him to Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment.
Home minister V. Anitha condemned the brutal act and instructed Nandyal SP Adhiraj Singh Rana to form special teams to expedite the inquiry. Nandikotkur MLA G. Jaya Surya visited the grieving family to offer his condolences. The SP inspected the crime scene and assured of strict action. The police have registered a case and are investigating it.
The YSR Congress took to ‘X’ to criticise the alliance government in the state, accusing it of failing to ensure the safety of women. The party expressed grave concern over the increasing atrocities on girls and women.
