Bagepalli, 12 Oct

A 48-year-old woman, Bayamma, sustained severe burn injuries after she was allegedly set on fire by relatives of a girl who had eloped and married Bayamma’s son. The incident occurred on Monday in Sankatapalli village under Pathapalya police limits, Bagepalli taluk, but came to light only yesterday when Bayamma’s family demanded police action.

Bayamma’s son, Ambarish, who runs a hotel in Pathapalya, was in a relationship with Prathibha, 18, from nearby Kogilollapalli village. Despite opposition from both families, who belong to the same caste, the couple eloped on 6 October and were married at a temple in Kadadanamari village, Chintamani taluk.

Following the marriage, Prathibha’s relatives reportedly blamed Bayamma for supporting the relationship. In a fit of rage, some of them allegedly poured petrol on Bayamma and set her on fire before fleeing the scene. She was rushed to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru and is currently undergoing treatment.

Bayamma’s family filed a complaint with the Pathapalya police, alleging a deliberate attack. However, police have maintained that it may have been an accident. Sub-Inspector Syed Altaf said Prathibha’s relatives had gone to Ambarish’s house to burn her clothes and books, stating they never wanted to see her face again. Bayamma allegedly sustained burns while trying to intervene.

The accused are currently absconding.