Hyderabad Man Sets Wife Ablaze In Front Of Children, Pushes Daughter In Fire

A woman was burnt to death after her husband allegedly set her on fire in front of their children in Hyderabad. He also pushed their daughter into the flames before fleeing. The gruesome incident occurred a day before Christmas in the city's Nallakunta area.

Venkatesh was allegedly suspicious of his wife, Triveni, which led to frequent fights, said police.

On December 24, he assaulted Triveni in front of the children. He then poured petrol on her and set her on fire. When their daughter tried to save her mother, he reportedly pushed her into the flames as well and fled the house.

Hearing them scream, their neighbours rushed to their house. By then, Triveni had died due to severe burn injuries. Their six-year-old daughter, who narrowly escaped with minor injuries, was shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Venkatesh and Triveni had a love marriage. They have two children: a daughter and a son.

Venkatesh allegedly developed suspicion about his wife and often subjected her to harassment. Unable to bear constant abuse, Triveni had recently gone to her parents' house. Venkatesh, however, apologised to her and got the elders to settle their dispute. He even promised to change. The crime occurred after Triveni returned to him.

Some locals suggested that the couple had an altercation a few months ago as well, after which she had complained to the police and the women's protection cell. After the incident, Venkatesh had left home, while Triveni started working at a hotel and at some homes to support her two children.

"Triveni worked hard to send her two children to school. She would get them ready, send them to school, and then go to work. He was a useless drunkard," said a neighbor, Lakshmi. "Two months ago, Venkatesh returned home. We had warned Triveni to be careful with him," she added.

Triveni had even bought her husband a bike worth a lakh some time ago, but he, being an alcohol addict, sold it for just Rs 15000, the neighbours said.

The police have registered a case in connection with the murder and launched a search operation to catch Venkatesh. The incident has triggered outrage in the locality, highlighting concerns over domestic violence and crimes driven by suspicion.