Man arrested for setting partner and her parents on fire

The Soladevanahalli police have arrested a man for allegedly setting his partner and her parents on fire. The condition of all three was critical and were being treated in Intensive Care Units (ICU).

The accused has been identified as Panduranga alias Chandu, a resident of Nandini Layout.

According to the police, the incident occurred at Tarabanahalli on March 6 around 6.30 p.m., when the accused went to the house of Sumalatha, 27, a domestic help, and demanded that she hand over her scooter.

When she refused, a heated argument broke out between the two. Sumalatha’s parents, Shreeram and Manjamma, intervened during the altercation. In a fit of rage, Panduranga allegedly poured petrol on them from a bottle he had brought with him and set them on fire before fleeing the spot in an autorickshaw. Neighbours rushed to their aid and admitted them to a hospital, where they were currently undergoing treatment, the police said.

According to the FIR, Sumalatha married Hanumayya in 2015 and had two sons. About five years later, she met Panduranga, who allegedly promised to take care of her. She later moved in with him to a rented house in Nandini Layout, while her two sons stayed with Sumalatha’s mother. “Though we were not married, we lived like husband and wife. Later we had a girl child,” Sumalatha stated in her complaint.

The FIR further stated that about a year ago, Panduranga brought another woman to live with them, which led to frequent quarrels. Following this, Sumalatha left the house and began staying with her parents.

Based on her complaint, the Soladevanahalli police have registered a case under Sections 109 (attempt to murder) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and arrested the accused. Further investigation is under way.