A horrific incident of domestic violence has shaken the town of Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district, resulting in one death and leaving four others, including the alleged perpetrator, fighting for their lives with severe burn injuries. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday when a man allegedly set his second wife, two stepchildren, and mother-in-law on fire while they were asleep.
A Dispute Turns Deadly
The victims have been identified as Syed Ali Fatima, 35, her mother Sikkander Beevi, 60, and Fatima's children from her first marriage, Parveen Banu, 18, and Syed Farook, 13. The accused is Akbar Ali, 55, Fatima's second husband. According to police, Fatima's first husband died in a road accident, after which she married Akbar Ali, who was separated from his first wife.
The couple's relationship was reportedly strained. A few weeks prior to the fiery attack, a quarrel had escalated to the point where Akbar Ali allegedly attacked Fatima with a knife. Based on her complaint, the Sivakasi All Women Police registered a case and arrested Akbar Ali. He, however, secured bail and was released from custody a few days ago.
The Early Morning Inferno
Around 6:30 am on Tuesday, while the family was still asleep at their home on Muslim Odai Street in Sivakasi, Akbar Ali carried out his brutal plan. Police stated that he poured petrol on Fatima, her mother, and the two children before setting them ablaze. In a tragic turn, the fire also accidentally engulfed Akbar Ali himself.
Upon receiving alerts, personnel from the local police and the Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the scene. All five individuals, suffering from grievous burn injuries, were quickly transported to the Sivakasi Government Hospital for emergency treatment.
Critical Condition and Fatal Outcome
The aftermath of the attack revealed the sheer brutality of the act. Sikkander Beevi, the 60-year-old mother-in-law, who sustained nearly 100% burns, succumbed to her injuries later in the day.
The condition of the other victims remains extremely critical. Syed Ali Fatima and her son Syed Farook sustained approximately 100% and 95% burn injuries, respectively. The accused, Akbar Ali, is also in critical condition with about 90% burns. The only victim reported to be in stable condition is Parveen Banu, who sustained nearly 30% burn injuries.
The Sivakasi Town police have registered a case and are conducting a thorough investigation into this shocking incident that has left a family devastated and a community in mourning.
