Jilted lover sets ablaze girl in Kerala, both die

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, police said. The youth who professed love for her allegedly committed the crime after she spurned 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 Class XII student and set her on fire, police said, adding they suspect he embraced the girl after setting her ablaze 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 a.m. and when Shalan opened the door, Midhun demanded to see her. He poured petrol on the girl and set her ablaze when she came out of her room. Police rushed to the spot after being informed by the neighbours.

Doctors declared both dead soon after they were taken to the hospital. Thrikkakara MLA P T Thomas who visited the residence of the victim condemned the incident and demanded a thorough probe into it..