Hyderabad: In a shocking incident, a car driver set his five-member family on fire while the members were sleeping at Khammampalle village in Kondapaka mandal of Siddipet district on Thursday.
According to reports, the victims have suffered severe burns while the culprit accused laxmi Rajyam is absconding, TOI reports.
The accused Rajyam aged 38 has been married to Vimala, a farm laborer, for over 15 years with whom he had two children.
The accused started harassing his wife in a drunken state only a few years into marriage.
The victim unable to put up with this torture filed a complaint with the police.
“Six months ago, when the case was under trial, Rajyam gave an undertaking before the court that he would look after his wife and children.
After attending counseling sessions, Vimala moved into Rajyam’s house with their children,” Thogutta CI B Somnarayan Singh said.
John Raj had asked her to visit his house as their second sister Sunitha was visiting them.
The accused broke into John’s house were Vimala, her daughter Pavitra12), John, his wife Rajeswari and Sunitha were sleeping.
The accused sprinkled paint thinner on them and later set them on fire.
“He lit firecrackers and hurled them into the room, triggering Vimala and John suffered 60% burns and are critical, while others suffered 30 to 40% burns,” the inspector said.