A 44-year-old woman lost her life in Kollam, Kerala, after her husband, Padmarajan (60), allegedly set her car on fire following a heated dispute. The incident occurred on Tuesday night near Chemmanmukku Junction within the Kollam City East Police Station limits. The woman has been identified as Anila, a bakery owner.
According to the police, Padmarajan intercepted Anila's car around 9 pm, suspecting her of infidelity. He hit his van into the driver's side of her car. Later, he poured petrol over it and set it ablaze, as per a report on Times of India. Anila, who was traveling with Sony (33), an employee at her bakery, sustained severe burns and succumbed to her injuries while being rushed to the hospital. However, Sony escaped with burn injuries and is treated at the Kollam District Hospital.
Anila had recently started a bakery near Dr. Nairs Hospital with Aneesh as her business partner. The venture had been a source of contention between her and Padmarajan. Reports suggest that Padmarajan opposed the partnership, leading to frequent disputes, reported Manorama. A panchayat member, Sajan, had mediated between Padmarajan and Aneesh earlier on Tuesday, resolving a financial disagreement after Aneesh agreed to leave the partnership in exchange for Rs 1.5 lakh.
Despite the resolution earlier that day, tensions escalated by evening, culminating in the violent act. Witnesses claim Padmarajan believed that Aneesh whom he suspected of being Anila's lover was in the car with her at the time of the attack.
Padmarajan later surrendered at the Kollam East Police Station, admitting to the crime. The police are interrogating him to understand the full extent of his motives.
The couple, who had been living separately due to ongoing conflicts, were said to have a history of strained relations.
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