Kerala: Man Sets Former Classmate Ablaze For Refusing Marriage Proposal; Victim Critical

A 20-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed and set on fire by a man in Kerala for refusing his marriage proposal. The incident took place in broad daylight on a busy road in Kottayam district, Kerala, March 12. The victim is remains critical.

Kavitha Vijayakumar, is pursuing a diploma course in radiology at a private institute in Thiruvalla. She was on her way to college in the morning, when the incident occured.

The incident was premeditated

Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police, C Jaydev said: “CCTV visuals from a nearby spot showed the woman and the accused, Ajin Rei Mathew, walking together, engaged in an argument. After getting Stabbed, she fell and he poured petrol on her and set her afire.”

Following the attack, the perpetrator, Ajin Reji Mathew, was caught by passersby and handed over to the police. He was later arrested and will be booked for attempt to murder (Section 307) and other related charges.

Jaydev further said that the attack was planned, and a petrol bottle has been recovered from the spot.

Bystanders helped douse the fire and admitted Kavitha to a hospital. she is said to be in a critical condition with 65 percent burns. Kavitha continues to be on the ventilator.

Mathew was the Kavitha’s classmate in grade 12 in school, and told the police that the two of them had been in a relationship since school, but she refused to marry him.

Kavitha’s family alleges that Mathew was harassing her for quite some time. Her father, who is a daily wage labourer finds it hard to support the family.

The family is yet to file a complaint against the accused. “We did not file a complaint yet because right now, our primary concern is to save her,” a family member said.

Other similar incidents

In another case of violence, a young woman was set ablaze by her stalker in Warangal district of Telangana on February 27, because she rejected his marriage proposal. The woman succumbed to her injuries on March 4.

On February 6, a 17-year-old girl was attacked and stabbed multiple times by a stalker in Hyderabad.

The Logical Indian questions the regressive mindset that incites assault and violence against women, and urges authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators.

Also Read: Another Victim: Woman Set On Fire By Stalker In Telangana Dies After Fighting To Survive