BENGALURU: It had all the trappings of a celluloid thriller: An older man consumed by obsession, a young woman in multiple relationships over time, and a chase ending in a public execution.
Yet, this was no silver screen drama. This was a real-life incident that played out on the streets of Hulimavu in Bengaluru, much to the shock of the eye-witnesses.
The victim, identified as 25-year-old Vanajakshi, was burned alive on Saturday afternoon by her 52-year-old former live-in partner Vittal, who just couldn't digest the presence of another man in Vanajakshi's life.
Following Vanajakshi's death in hospital on Sunday night, leaving behind an eight-year-old son, police arrested Vittal, who was later remanded in judicial custody.
Police said Vanajakshi was with her male companion Muniyappa on Aug 30, when Vittal reached the spot, doused her with petrol and set her on fire.
Muniyappa, a businessman, in his complaint said Vanajakshi was married to Madhu, in his mid-50s. Due to a marital discord, the couple parted ways before Madhu died.
Thereafter, Vanajakshi was living with her son in Bilwaradahalli on Bannerghatta Road. Muniyappa often visited their house.
On the day of the incident, Vanajakshi and Muniyappa were on their way to St John's Hospital to visit Vanajakshi's elder sister's son, who was admitted there, when the attack took place.
While the duo was near Hommadevanahalli, Vittal started tailing them and honked repeatedly. When Muniyappa's car stopped due to a traffic jam, Vittal got off his car and poured petrol on Muniyappa's vehicle.
Taken aback, a frightened Muniyappa told Vanajakshi to immediately get off the car. As she got off and tried to run, she tripped and fell. Seizing the opportunity, Vittal doused her with petrol.
Even as a passerby tried to snatch the petrol can from Vittal, he set her on fire with a lighter. Two persons who tried to save Vanajakshi sustained burn injuries.
As people rushed to her rescue, Vanajakshi told them Vittal was a resident of Begalli, Nellasandra village. She alleged he had been harassing her, seeking her company.
She was initially rushed to Victoria Hospital, but later moved to St John's Hospital, where she died.
A senior police officer said Vanajakshi was married to Madhu, who was almost twice her age. It was the second marriage for both.
Five years ago, when Madhu fell sick, she got into a relationship with Vittal and the couple was in a live-in relationship for a couple of years.
"Later, she had an affair with Muniyappa. We are investigating the marital status of all three," the police officer further said.
Woman found hanging, husband arrested
City police have arrested a man identified as J Nandish on charges of abetting the suicide of his wife N Poojashri at their Bagalagunte residence on Sunday. The couple has a two-year-old daughter.
Based on a complaint filed by Poojashri's mother, B Chandrakala, police have booked Nandish, his mother Shantamma, and three others on charges of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide.
Poojashri married Nandish three years ago. "She used to often complain of dowry harassment by Nandish and his mother. Nandish allegedly also beat up Poojashri when she questioned his closeness to another woman," police said, adding that Poojashri's daughter and husband were out when she took the extreme step.