Stalker who set Madurai schoolgirl ablaze arrested

The accused, identified as Balamurugan, was found hiding inside the bushes at a secluded place in Pudupatti village. The police received information regarding the accused from the residents and immediately surrounded him. 

Later, he was taken to Madurai GRH as he had suffered burns in his hand. He was treated in the casualty ward and then was shifted to an ordinary ward. Meanwhile, women activists of various NGOs met Pechiammal, mother of the teen girl Chitra Devi, in Madurai GRH and consoled her. 

Talking to the media persons, they alleged law and order situation in the state is in bad shape and there is no protection for women. They also demanded the government to take stringent action against the accused and urged to conduct awareness programs in the schools against such issues. However, doctors at Madurai GRH said that the girl is still critical. 

It may be noted that Chitra Devi, who was stalked by Balamurugan, in the past, was set ablaze by him in Achampatti bus stand, on Friday evening, after the school hours. She suffered 64 per cent burns.