• By Imran Zafar
  • Sun, 20 Oct 2024 08:04 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

A class 11 student was set on fire by her ex-boyfriend in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district on Saturday, leaving her battling for life with 80 per cent burns. The accused and the victim were childhood friends and had known each other since growing up in the same area of Badvel town. Police have launched a manhunt for the accused, identified as Vignesh, who fled the scene after the attack on the minor. 

According to police reports, Vignesh recently married another woman but wanted to continue his relationship with the victim. On Saturday, he called the girl, threatening to commit suicide if she did not meet him. The victim agreed and after leaving her college in an auto-rickshaw, Vignesh joined her on the journey. They travelled to a deserted spot near Century Plywood Factory, where, after an unknown altercation, Vignesh doused her in petrol and set her on fire.

The victim’s screams alerted farmers working nearby, who rushed to extinguish the flames and save her. She was immediately taken to a local hospital in Badvel before being shifted to the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Kadapa, where her condition remains critical. 

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The district judge recorded her statement at the hospital and four police teams have been deployed to track down the accused. Kadapa Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan confirmed that the victim and Vignesh were long-time acquaintances. 

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Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, expressing his concern, instructed police officials to arrest the suspect without delay and ensure the victim receives the best medical care. He has also inquired about her condition over the phone.