Woman set ablaze by live-in partner at traffic signal, dies

 

By Sagaya Fernando | September 1, 2025

Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA: In a chilling case of domestic violence, a 35-year-old woman was set on fire in broad daylight by her live-in partner at a traffic signal in Bengaluru. The victim, identified as Vanajakshi, succumbed to her injuries on Monday after battling for life with nearly 60 per cent burns.

The accused, Vittal alias Vithal (60), a cab driver and habitual alcoholic from Bannerghatta, has been arrested by the police within 24 hours of the crime.

Relationship turned violent

According to the police, both the victim and the accused had turbulent personal histories. Vittal had been married twice earlier—his first wife passed away, while his second wife left him for another man. Vanajakshi too had been married twice, and her second husband died about six months ago. Following this, she entered into a live-in relationship with Vittal nearly four years ago.

However, the relationship soured due to Vittal’s drinking habits and harassment. Vanajakshi gradually distanced herself from him and recently developed a friendship with another man, Mariappa (also reported as Muniyappa), a member of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike. This reportedly enraged Vittal and led to frequent quarrels.

The brutal attack

On Saturday August 30 afternoon, Vanajakshi was returning from a temple in a car with Mariappa and her driver when Vittal, who had been following them on the Hommadevanahalli Main Road near Hulimavu, intercepted their vehicle around 12:30 pm.

Police said Vittal was carrying five litres of petrol with him. He poured the fuel into the car, splashing all three occupants. While Mariappa and the driver managed to escape, Vanajakshi fell while trying to flee. Vittal allegedly chased her, doused her with more petrol, and set her ablaze with a lighter in full public view.

A passerby, witnessing the horrifying incident, rushed to her aid. Using a piece of cloth, he managed to douse the flames and, with help from others, shifted her to a private hospital. The rescuer also sustained minor burns during the attempt.

Despite being later moved to Victoria Hospital, where she was undergoing treatment, Vanajakshi succumbed to her injuries on Monday. Vittal, who also suffered burns in the process, was arrested soon after the incident.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Electronic City Division), M. Narayana, confirmed that the accused had a history of harassing the victim under the influence of alcohol. “He had even tried to attack her earlier, and two separate cases had been registered against him at different police stations. Stringent sections of law have been invoked to ensure he pays for this heinous act,” the DCP said.

The Hulimavu police have booked Vittal for murder, attempt to murder, and other relevant charges.

Authorities acknowledged the courage of the passerby who tried to save the victim, calling it a rare act of humanity in the face of such brutality.

Police said further investigation is underway, including whether the attack was premeditated since the accused carried a large quantity of petrol with him.