In a horrific incident of domestic violence that has shocked Hyderabad, a 32-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly setting his wife on fire while she slept, with their two children present in the room. The crime, driven by baseless suspicions of infidelity, culminated in the woman's tragic death from severe burns.
Drunken Rage Leads to Premeditated Killing
According to the Hyderabad Police, the accused, identified as K Venkateshwarlu, worked as a driver. Police officials stated that tensions had been brewing in the household as Venkateshwarlu had begun suspecting his wife, Triveni, of having an affair. These suspicions, which her family members said she consistently denied, led to frequent arguments between the couple.
The situation reached a fatal climax on the night of December 23. Authorities allege that Venkateshwarlu, who was in an inebriated state, first went to a nearby fuel station and purchased a bottle of petrol. He then returned to their home in the Nallakunta area of Hyderabad, entered the room where his wife was asleep, and poured the flammable liquid over her before setting her alight.
Children Witness Horror, Raise Alarm
The couple's two young children, who were sleeping nearby, were traumatized witnesses to the brutal attack. Showing immense presence of mind amidst the terror, the children immediately ran out of the house to alert neighbours and nearby residents. Their cries for help brought people to the scene, but the damage was already catastrophic.
The severely burnt Triveni was rushed to Gandhi Hospital for emergency treatment. However, she had sustained 95 per cent burns, injuries too extensive to survive. She succumbed to her wounds, as confirmed by the police investigation.
Police Investigation Reveals Baseless Suspicion
Hyderabad East Zone Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police J Narasiah provided details of the case, indicating that the husband's unfounded suspicions were the primary motive. The police probe revealed that a specific incident had fueled Venkateshwarlu's jealousy. A neighbour had reportedly told him that Triveni was dropped home by a young man when she had gone out for job hunting.
"Her family members, who tried to mediate, said that she denied all his accusations," DCP Narasiah stated. The police investigation later found these allegations of an affair to be completely unfounded.
The couple, originally hailing from Huzurnagar in Telangana's Suryapet district, had a history of a secret marriage in 2014 before relocating to Hyderabad. Following the incident and Triveni's death, the police acted swiftly, apprehending Venkateshwarlu. He now faces serious charges, including murder, in a case that highlights the extreme and deadly consequences of domestic distrust and violence.
