Woman Dies After Being Set on Fire by Acquaintance in Erode
A 24-year-old woman died of burn injuries after she was allegedly set ablaze by a man she had met on Instagram, according to police in Erode, Tamil Nadu. The accused, who also sustained burns, is undergoing treatment at a government hospital.
The deceased has been identified as Vinothini, a resident of Bharathi Nagar, Moolapalayam. Police said she had married Surya, a tailor from Tiruppur district, five years ago, and the couple had a four-year-old son. Due to marital discord, they had been living separately for two years. Vinothini was residing with her son near her parents’ home and working as a salesperson at an organic store in the city.
During this period, she came into contact with Navaneethakrishnan, 26, of Ramanathapuram district, through Instagram, police said. The acquaintance later developed into a relationship.
According to police, Navaneethakrishnan went to Vinothini’s house in the early hours of Wednesday, July 29, 2026. An argument broke out between them, following which he allegedly poured kerosene on her and set her on fire. He also sustained burn injuries before fleeing the spot.
Her parents and neighbours rushed her to the Government Erode Medical College Hospital in Perundurai. An Additional Mahila Court Judge recorded her dying declaration. She succumbed to her injuries later that day.
Police traced Navaneethakrishnan to a private hospital in Karur through his mobile phone location. He was then shifted to the Government Hospital in Erode, where he remains under treatment and will be arrested after being declared fit, police said. A case has been registered and further investigation is under way.
