Kerala horror: Woman dies after neighbour sets her on fire over dispute in Bedakam

KASARAGOD: A 32-year-old woman, who had been receiving medical treatment following a savage assault at her shop in Kerala's Bedakam last week, succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital in Mangaluru, police confirmed on Tuesday.

Ramitha, who operated a grocery store in Bedakam, endured grievous burn injuries after the accused, Ramamrutham--a native of Chinna Pattinam in Tamil Nadu--purportedly doused her with thinner and ignited it owing to a personal vendetta.

Ramitha sustained burns across 50 per cent of her body. Her son and a companion, who were present during the assault, managed to escape the conflagration unscathed.

Ramamrutham operates a furniture establishment adjacent to Ramitha's store.

According to accounts, he routinely created disturbances whilst inebriated. Ramitha had filed grievances with the property owner regarding his conduct, subsequently leading the owner to demand Ramamrutham's eviction from the premises.

Police investigators believe this eviction notice precipitated the attack on Ramitha.

Investigations have revealed that Ramamrutham had previously issued mortal threats to her.

He was apprehended by transport staff and local inhabitants immediately following the incident and was subsequently handed over to law enforcement authorities.