Still get nightmares, say Induja’s neighbours

Divyavarshini Apartments on the streets of Saraswathi Nagar in Adambakkam wears a desolate look, barely a week after the horrific murder of Chennai techie S. Indhuja, allegedly by her former classmate, M. Akash.

Indhuja (21) was burnt alive after her stalker doused her in fuel and set her alight with his cigarette lighter, after she reportedly turned down his marriage proposal.

Her mother Renuka, and sister Nivedha also suffered serious burn injuries, trying to save her.

All that remains of the gruesome incident now are a blackened staircase and wall, and an air of despair outside the victim’s house.

The family refuses to entertain any questions from the media, and asks to be left alone in their time of grief.

Indhuja’s teenage brother adds that they are not interested in any more coverage on the issue. DtNext learnt that they have also requested the neighbours to avoid talking about the incident to anyone.

“They are unhappy with the way the media has represented Indhuja as if she were involved in a relationship with Akash, before the murder happened. She was a very sweet girl, who used to come home straight from office and was very diligent. There has been a shadow of sorts cast over the entire neighbourhood this past week, and everyone is understandably upset. People are still talking about it at every opportunity though, as there have been a lot of police and media who keep coming to the area looking for the house,” says one neighbour, who did not wish to be named.

He adds, “Even though it’s been a while, the issue has shaken everyone around and we are still recovering. The area is very peaceful, and now people are jittery and can’t sleep at night properly.” Both Indhuja’s mother and sister, who were earlier in a critical condition, are still in the hospital, but on the road to recovery and out of danger, according to sources in Apollo hospital.