# Ponneri hospital petrol attack and murder

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ponneri-hospital-petrol-attack-and-murder
> Updated: 2026-10-07T06:49:51.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

On September 21, a female contract data-entry operator named Rajeshwari was attacked at the Ponneri Government Hospital in the Tiruvallur district. The suspect, identified as Prakash, allegedly doused her in petrol and set her ablaze near the hospital entrance. Rajeshwari sustained severe burns to her face, chest, and abdomen, requiring specialized treatment at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital.

During the subsequent police pursuit, Prakash was located near a cremation ground. He reportedly resisted arrest by attacking a sub-inspector with a sickle, leading authorities to shoot him in the leg. Investigations indicated the motive was linked to a previous relationship and a dispute after the victim stopped communicating with the suspect.

After 16 days of medical treatment, Rajeshwari died from her injuries. Following her death, police upgraded the charges against Prakash from attempted murder to murder.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Woman dies after petrol attack at Ponneri Government Hospital

A woman set on fire with petrol at Ponneri Government Hospital has died, leading police to upgrade the case against the suspect, Prakash, from attempted murder to murder.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/woman-dies-after-petrol-attack-at-ponneri-government-hospital

### 2026-09-22: Police arrest man accused of setting hospital employee ablaze in Ponneri

Police shot and arrested a man who allegedly set a contract worker on fire at Ponneri Government Hospital in India. The victim remains hospitalized with severe burns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-arrest-man-accused-of-setting-hospital-employee-ablaze-in-ponneri

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Cite as: Ponneri hospital petrol attack and murder. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ponneri-hospital-petrol-attack-and-murder