Amaravati: In a tragic incident in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, a 17-year-old girl was killed when a young man set her ablaze after dousing her with petrol. The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday while the victim was asleep in her home.
Neighbors, alerted by the commotion, rushed to the scene and found the girl engulfed in flames. She died instantly. The accused, who also suffered burn injuries, was beaten by the neighbors before being taken into custody.
Local reports suggest that the boy had been harassing the girl, allegedly becoming enraged when she did not return his affections. To escape the harassment, the girl had been sent by her parents to stay with her grandparents in Nandikotkur. The assailant broke into her room after midnight to commit the crime.
Police are investigating whether the boy attempted to self-immolate after the act or if he was injured while igniting the fire. He has been arrested and is currently in critical condition at the Government Hospital in Kurnool.
This incident highlights a disturbing trend in Andhra Pradesh, where crimes against women have significantly increased. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), such crimes surged by 43% in 2022, placing the state sixth in the country for violence against women.
In response to the rising violence, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for the establishment of special courts to expedite the trial process for these offenses. This follows a recent gang-rape case in Sri Sathya Sai district, prompting the government to seek the creation of special courts to ensure swift justice for victims.