The police have arrested a 27-year-old man on charges of setting ablaze a 15-year-old girl in Korukupet on Saturday.
According to police, Palkis Banu is a resident of Meenambal Nagar in Korrukupet. She is married to Naseer Ahmed, who works in an iron shop. They have three children, the eldest of whom is the 15-year-old girl. Three months ago, Naseer Ahmed and Palkis Banu separated after a fight.
Around the same time, Sanaullah (27), also took a house for rent near their house. “He befriended Palkis Banu’s family and started bringing matrimonial alliances for the girl,” said Abdul Kayyum, the girl’s uncle. The girl was staying in a hostel in Vellore.
Palkis Banu was now the bread-winner of the family. She brought back her daughter from the hostel as she was not good at studies and wanted to marry her off. “Sanaullah brought few alliances but the girl rejected everything. The last one he brought was that of a 40-year-old man,” said Abdul.
The marriage was scheduled for February 28. The girl told her mother that she will not marry the old man. Hearing this, Sanaullah got infuriated. Three weeks ago, he allegedly assaulted the girl. Recently, she also told her neighbours about the Sanaullah’s ill-treatment.
“Sanaullah came to know of this and went to her house around 2 p.m. on Saturday. He then poured kersone on her and set her on fire. Two of the girls’ brothers saw this and ran out screaming. Sanaullah also came out and started shouting that the girl was attempting to end her life,” said Abdul.
He also accompanied the neighbours to the Kilpauk Medical College hospital to admit her. “It was only later that we knew what happened and lodged a police complaint,” said Abdul. Sanaullah was arrested and remanded. The condition of the girl is critical.
