A 35-year-old priest was burnt alive when a fire broke out in his house in Pendurthi area on Tuesday late night. Police suspect that either a electrical short-circuit or a cigarette butt could have triggered the fire.
Primary investigation revealed that the victim, identified as Venkatesh, got married about nine years ago. With the differences cropping up, the couple had got separated.
Charred body found
“Venkatesh has been living with his parents since the last six months. On Tuesday night, his parents were away from home. The neighbours alerted the police and fire officials after noticing smoke billowing from the house. The police found charred body of Venkatesh in the house,” Pendurthi Circle Inspector Venku Naidu said.
However, the locals said that Venkatesh was in the habit of smoking inside the house and it could have led to the fire.
