Jilted lover sets girl on fire in Kerala, both die

Kochi: A 17-year old girl died after she was allegedly set ablaze by a man, who was also consumed by the flames, at her house near here early on Thursday, the police said. The youth who professed love for her allegedly committed the crime after she spurned his proposal. The accused, identified as Midhun, died after he was engulfed by the fire, the police said.

Kochi: A 17-year-old girl died after she was allegedly set ablaze by a man, who was also consumed by the flames at her house here early on Thursday, the police said. The youth, who professed love for her, allegedly committed the crime after she rejected his proposal. The accused, identified as Midhun from North Paravu, died after he was engulfed by the fire, they said. The incident occurred at Athani in Kakkanad under Info Park police station limit here. Midhun poured petrol on the girl, who was a Class XII student and set her on fire, the police said, adding they suspect he embraced the girl after setting her ablaze in order to kill himself. The girl’s father, identified as Shalan, suffered burn injuries when he tried to shield his daughter from the accused and has been admitted to a hospital here. According to police, Midhun reached the residence of the girl at around 12.15 am. When Shalan opened the door, Midhun demanded to see her. He then poured petrol on the girl and set her on fire when she came out. The police rushed to the spot after being informed by the neighbours.Doctors declared both of them dead soon after they were taken to the hospital.