Man arrested for setting 19-year-old woman on fire in Chennai

The Thalambur police have arrested a 25-year-old man for attempting to murder a 19-year-old woman by setting her on fire in Chennai.

The Thalambur police have arrested a 25-year-old man for attempting to murder a 19-year-old woman by setting her on fire in Chennai.

Sources in the police said the woman, V. Gayathri, a second-year engineering student at a private university, resided at a paying guest accomodation in the city. The suspect, identified as R. Rathinakumar, 25, a native of Kattumannarkudi, Cuddalore district, worked at a private software firm in Koyambedu. The two were reportedly related.

The police said they had been in a relationship, which the woman had recently ended.

Upset over the breakup, he called her over the phone on Wednesday (April 30, 2025) morning and asked to meet. They met as she was leaving for college. During the conversation, he insisted that they continue their relationship but as she refused, he took out a bottle of petrol from his pocket and doused her with the liquid. He then set her on fire and fled the scene, the police said.

Hearing her screams, people in the vicinity came to her rescue and put out the fire. She was rushed to a private hospital in Kelambakkam and subsequently referred to another private hospital in Perumbakkam. 

She was admitted with 45% burns, and has sustained burns on face, neck, and other parts of her body. She is undergoing treatment at the hospital, and the police have recorded her statement. 

Thalambur Police Inspector Charles, who is leading the investigation, arrested Rathinakumar on charges of attempt to murder. He was remanded to judicial custody.