Woman sets husband ablaze, ends her life too in Salem

A 32-year-old woman killed her husband by setting him ablaze and then ended her life in a family dispute on Tuesday (January 6, 2026).

S. Dhanapal, a 46-year-old resident of Panankadu near Elampillai, was a construction worker. His wife was Priya who was working in a silver anklet unit in the locality. The couple has three daughters aged 13, 10, and eight and a five-year-old son. The couple reportedly quarrelled frequently.

According to the police, Priya allegedly developed a relationship with silver anklet unit owner Subash. Learning about it, her husband Dhanapal often had altercations with her.

On Monday (January 5) around 10 p.m., a verbal duel broke out between the couple again and she locked herself inside a room. When Dhanapal managed to open the door, she poured petrol over him and set him on fire. Later, she also ended her life.

The neighbours extinguished the fire and admitted Dhanapal who sustained with 80% burn injuries to Salem Government Hospital. On Tuesday morning, he succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The Kondalampatti police registered a case and are investigating further.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)