A shocking case of domestic violence has shaken Hyderabad after a man allegedly set his wife on fire in front of their children and pushed their young daughter into the flames when she tried to save her mother. The brutal incident occurred on December 24, a day before Christmas, in the Nallakunta area of the city.
According to police, the accused, identified as Venkatesh, was suspicious of his wife Triveni and frequently argued with her over alleged doubts about her character. These disputes often escalated into harassment and physical abuse. Unable to tolerate the constant torment, Triveni had reportedly moved to her parents’ house some time ago.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Venkatesh later convinced Triveni to return home, assuring her that he would change his behaviour. However, on the night of the incident, another argument broke out. Police said Venkatesh assaulted Triveni in front of their children, poured petrol on her, and set her on fire.
As Triveni screamed for help, their daughter rushed forward in an attempt to save her mother. In a further act of cruelty, Venkatesh allegedly pushed the child into the flames as well before fleeing the house. Neighbours, alerted by the screams, rushed to the scene, but by the time they arrived, Triveni had succumbed to severe burn injuries.
The daughter survived with minor injuries and was immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment. The couple also has a young son, who witnessed the horrifying incident.
Police have registered a case of murder and attempted murder and launched a manhunt to trace Venkatesh, who is currently absconding. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and renewed concerns over domestic violence, particularly crimes driven by suspicion and mistrust within families.
