Woman dies after man sets her ablaze in Kannur; accused also sustains injuries

Mayyil: A woman died in Kannur after a man allegedly set her on fire. The attack was carried out on Praveena, a resident of Kuttiattoor. She had sustained severe burns and was admitted to Pariyaram Medical College. She passed away on Thursday morning while undergoing treatment.

The accused, Jijesh, is a native of Kuttavu and also suffered serious burn injuries.

Residents of Uruvachal Malamil Road in Kuttiattoor were deeply shocked by the incident that occurred on Wednesday afternoon in the work area of the house named ‘Govindam’. Upon seeing smoke and flames, workers from the local employment scheme, including a woman named O.V. Susheela, rushed to the scene, only to be confronted with a horrifying sight. Susheela’s daughter-in-law P.P. Praveena also suffered severe burn injuries. Praveena was married to Ajish, Susheela’s son.

Hearing the commotion, locals quickly brought both victims to Kannur Government Medical College Hospital using the ambulance from Mayyil Community Health Centre. Praveena succumbed to her injuries on Thursday morning while undergoing treatment.

Jijesh and Praveena are from the same locality—Patteri House in Kuttavu, Peruvalathuparamba. Ajish’s family had moved into the rented house ‘Govindam’, formerly owned by the late T.K. Vasu, just four months ago.

According to police reports

Jijesh arrived at the rented house where Ajish’s parents and Praveena were staying at around 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, asking for water. He then entered the house. Police stated that the two were known to each other and suspect personal animosity as the motive behind the attack.

Jijesh allegedly poured a highly flammable liquid over Praveena and set her on fire. Her clothes were completely burnt, and she suffered extensive burns. Jijesh sustained serious burns below the waist.

Kannur ACP Pradeepan Kannipoyil, Valapattanam Inspector P. Vijesh, SI Ibrahim, ASI K.P. Manu, forensic experts, and fingerprint specialists visited the scene.

Locals are still struggling to come to terms with the incident. No one recalls having seen the young man, reportedly arriving on a bullet, before this event.