Police arrest man accused of setting hospital employee ablaze in Ponneri

Police have arrested a 35-year-old man, identified as Prakash, who allegedly set a female hospital employee on fire at the Ponneri Government Hospital in Tiruvallur district. The suspect was shot in the leg by authorities during his apprehension after he reportedly attacked a sub-inspector with a sickle while resisting arrest.

The victim, Rajeshwari, a contract data-entry operator in the hospital’s emergency department, was attacked on Monday evening while leaving her shift. According to reports, Prakash poured petrol on her near the hospital entrance and ignited it. She sustained severe burns to her face, chest, and abdomen, with reports indicating burn percentages ranging from 48% to 56%. She has been transferred to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for specialized treatment.

Preliminary investigations suggest the motive may be linked to a previous relationship between the suspect and the victim. Prakash was located near a cremation ground in the Madhavaram area, where the confrontation with police occurred. The injured sub-inspector is currently receiving medical treatment at Ponneri Government Hospital.