By Roy Denish
A 55-year-old Arayampathy woman set on fire in an alleged attack by a relative has died in hospital. Police have arrested and remanded a suspect.
BATTICALOA, Sri Lanka — A 55-year-old woman who suffered severe burns after a relative allegedly poured gasoline over her and set her on fire has succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
Police identified the victim as Chinnathamby Kamaleswary, a resident of Old Kalmunai Road, Arayampathy.
According to preliminary police investigations, the incident occurred on Tuesday, November 3, at approximately 4:00 p.m., while the victim was sitting on a chair outside her home.
A relative allegedly approached her from behind, doused her in gasoline and set her ablaze.
Neighbours rushed to her aid and transported her to Batticaloa Teaching Hospital with severe burn injuries.
The suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack but was apprehended by police the following day, Wednesday, November 4. Authorities identified the suspect as the husband of the victim’s sister-in-law.
The suspect was produced before the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court and remanded in custody until November 11.
Kamaleswary, who had been receiving intensive care in the burns unit at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, died on Thursday morning, November 5, after failing to respond to treatment.
Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
