Vijayawada: Ex-boyfriend sets woman on fire, she holds on to him, both die

VIJAYWADA: A 24-year-old nurse was set ablaze by her ex-boyfriend at Hanumanpet in Vijayawada late on Monday night. While the woman was charred to death, the man too succumbed to his injuries after the victim caught hold of him and did not let go of him despite being in flames. The nurse has been identified Chinnari and worked at a Covid care centre.
Police said the accused, G Nagabhushanam, 25, attacked Chinnari while she was returning home after work. Nagabhushanam followed her and both had a heated argument. As tempers flared, he doused her in kerosene and set her on fire. The woman, who was in flames, pulled Nagabhushanam towards her. He later died while undergoing treatment.
Police officials said the accused had brought a kerosene can with him. Governorpet circle inspector MVS Nagaraju told TOI that an FIR for murder has been filed. Officials have also invoked 174 of the CrPC in Nagabhushanam’s death where the police will investigate if it was a suicide. Officials said Nagabhushanam and Chinnari were in a relationship for about two years. She eventually broke up with him under pressure from her parents, but Nagabhushanam allegedly continued to stalk her and pestered her to elope with him.
Despite repeated warnings, he pursued her relentlessly. About two months ago, Chinnari along with her parents lodged a harassment case against him with the Governorpet police. The officials had summoned him for questioning and given him a warning.
A couple of days later, Chinnari withdrew the complaint and requested cops to ensure that he doesn’t interfere in her life again. Sources added that this left Nagabhushanam very upset. Cops said that while Chinnari died on the spot after she was attacked Nagabhushanam, who suffered 80% burns, was taken to Guntur Government General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.