Ponneri woman dies days after being set on fire at government hospital

CHENNAI: A 34-year-old woman who was allegedly doused with petrol and set ablaze at the Ponneri Government Hospital on September 21 died while undergoing treatment at the Kilpauk Government Hospital on Tuesday evening.

According to a Maalaimalar report, Rajeshwari, wife of Vinoth, a crane operator from Upparapalayam near Ponneri, had been working as a temporary employee in the computer section of the emergency department at Ponneri Government Hospital for the past six months.

On September 21, Rajeshwari was leaving the hospital after completing her duty when Prakash (38), a car driver from Madhavaram near Ponneri, allegedly confronted her inside the hospital premises. Following an argument, he allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze before fleeing the spot.

Rajeshwari, who suffered severe burn injuries, was rescued and admitted to the Kilpauk Government Hospital, where she continued to receive treatment.

The following day, police tracked down Prakash, who was allegedly hiding in a burial ground at Peruncheri village near Madhavaram. He was shot in the right leg while being apprehended and was subsequently admitted to the Stanley Government Hospital for treatment.

According to the police investigation, Rajeshwari had been active on Facebook and regularly posted reels, gaining a considerable following. She later became acquainted with Prakash but subsequently stopped speaking to him. Police suspect that a dispute arising from this led to the attack.

Rajeshwari's condition had reportedly improved to some extent, and doctors shifted her from the intensive care unit to a general ward two days ago. However, she died on Tuesday evening, around two weeks after the attack.

Following her death, police have altered the case against Prakash from attempted murder to murder and are continuing their investigation.