Despite the stringent measures announced by the government to check crimes against women, violence against hapless women remains a deep-rooted malaise.
In one such blood curling incident, a degree student was set ablaze by an auto-rickshaw driver after she spurned his amorous advances in Tirupati on Tuesday.
According to police, the auto driver has been identified as Manikanta who doused Tapaswini with petrol and set her on fire for not reciprocating his 'love'. The incident took place just at the back of the district Collector's bungalow.
Tapaswini sustained 60% burns on her body and was rushed to government hospital in Chittoor. She is stated to be in a serious but stable condition.
Minister For Roads and Buildings Galla Aruna Kumari visited the hospital and promised financial assistance to her family.
The minister also directed the police to arrest the auto driver and file a case. Manikanta was later apprehended. He is believed to have named an accomplice who helped him douse petrol on the girl.
The auto driver confessed that he had resorted to the extreme act after Tapaswini's parents admonished him and warned him to stay away from their daughter.