This Article is From Oct 15, 2010

Tenant tries to end life, owner in soup

Bangalore: The abuses hurled by a landlord on his tenant forced a 28-year-old woman, Mala R, to attempt suicide. The woman set herself ablaze, but escaped death with 30% burn injuries on her legs, face and arms. Her husband, who tried to rescue her, also suffered minor burn injuries.

Rajashekhara S and Mala are staying in a rented house at Kempe Gowda Layout in Laggere for the past one year. The couple was unable to pay the rent for four months, due to poor income. "Due to this, the owner disconnected our electricity supply," the victim's husband, Rajashekhara, a daily wager, said.

The victim rang up her landlord, Ramakrishnappa, to enquire about the disconnection. "When I called up, he abused me in filthy language. I couldn't bear the humiliation. So, I tried to commit suicide", said Mala.

Mala had poured kerosene on herself in front of her two-year-old son and set herself ablaze. Hearing Mala's screams, Rajashekhara rushed to her rescue and in the melee, he also suffered burns. The victims were shifted to the Victoria Hospital where they are undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, Rajagopalnagara police have registered an abetment to commit suicide case and are questioning the landlord.

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