Chittor, October 28: In a shocking incident, an 18-year-old college girl was set afire by a stalker at New Prashanth Nagar in Reddygunta area of the district headquarter town today.
K Tapasvini, studying Intermediate first year in Vijayam College, came out of her house to go to college at 7:30 am when the attacker identified as Mainkanthan (26), sprinkled petrol on her and set ablaze.
As the girl was wearing polyester clothes, the flames spread rapidly, even as the neighbours rushed to the spot, hearing her cries and doused the flames. Some of the locals, chased the attacker and caught hold of him, soundly thrashed him before handing over to the police, who rushed to the spot on being alerted.
The girl, who suffered 50 per cent burns, was first rushed to Chittoor government hospital, then shifted to Apollo Hospital in Aragonda and later to SVR Ruia Hospital in Tirupati.
Her condition is reported to be critical.
Tapasvini’s mother Geetha Rani alias Ranemma is a tea vendor at the district collectorate in Reddygunta.
The family migrated to Chittoor town four years ago from their native village Tippiganipalle in Putalapattu mandal.
Tapasvini used to go to the college in an auto run by Manikanthan, who is also from the same locality. Ten days ago, Manikanthan misbehaved with her when she rejected his love proposal.
Since then he had been reportedly stalking her. He was warned to mend his ways when the girl took the matter to the notice of her parents. Manikanthan was also upset over Tapasvini going in a different auto to the college and reportedly warned her of dire consequences.When she did not heed his warning, holding a grudge against her, Manikanthan set her afire. The girl is battling for life in the hospital.
Chittoor Urban CI Sudhakar Reddy has registered a case and is investigating.
Meanwhile, joint collector Pradyumna, DSP Razak, Chittoor RDO Subramanyeswar Reddy visited the spot.
Ironically, the incident happened the next day after home minister Sabita Indra Reddy hinted at stringent laws to tackle atrocities against women during her visit to Rajampet in neighbouring Kadapa district.
–Agencies