Girl escapes with minor burns; youth admitted to hospital with 50 percent burns; forensic experts visit spot
Mysuru: A spurned lover, who doused himself and a girl he was in love with petrol, lit fire and hugged the girl in a bid to immolate himself and the girl.
Luckily, the girl managed to free herself from his clutches but sustained minor burns while the youth has sustained 50 percent burns and has been admitted to K.R. Hospital.
The incident took place at Vijayanagar 1st Stage yesterday morning.
The youth has been identified as 27-year-old Chandan, a resident of Halagur village in Malavalli taluk while the girl is also the resident of the same village, who is pursuing a Diploma course in city and staying at a hostel in Vijayanagar.
The youth was said to be in love with the girl for three years and the girl had rejected his proposals. But the youth allegedly continued to pester and harass her to love him and the girl, along with her parents, has lodged a complaint against the youth at Halagur Police Station. Later, the issue was compromised and the youth was asked not to give problems to the girl.
But Chandan, who kept quiet for a few days, again went behind the girl and began to pester her to love and marry him and the girl continued to reject his advances.
At about 10.15 am yesterday, when the girl was on her way to the college from the hostel, Chandan confronted her near the college. He suddenly poured petrol on himself, lit fire and hugged the girl.
But the girl managed to escape from his clutches and ran away but sustained minor burn injuries. She was rescued by other students and passersby who also doused the fire on Chandan, besides giving him water to drink. Chandan is said to have sustained about 50 percent burns by then.
Vijayanagar Police, who rushed to the spot, shifted Chandan to K.R. Hospital while the girl is being treated at a private hospital in city.
A case has been registered at Vijayanagar Police Station.
Forensic experts visit spot
Meanwhile, forensic experts from city’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) visited the spot and collected clues and evidences. The spot was barricaded to prevent public from going close to the spot.
The forensic experts have taken the empty bottle in which Chandan had brought petrol and also took into custody Chandan’s mobile phone from Vijayanagar Police. A few other items including burnt remains, stones and mud were also collected.
Vijayanagar Inspector Jaikeerti and staff were present.
This post was published on September 30, 2026 7:30 pm