In a sensational happening, a youth set afire a girl in full public view here on Wednesday, police said on Thursday. The incident happened in Lalaguda area in the evening when the 23-year-old girl was coming to home after her work. Sandhya Rani sustained 80 per cent burns and she was hurried to take her to the government Gandhi Hospital, where her condition is stated to be critical.

The offender is suspected to be a jilted lover of Sandhya is a graduate, who was working in a commercial establishment for about a year. Quoting eye-witnesses, the police said she was returning home when the youth on a motorcycle met her. They discussed some matter for about 10 minutes.According to reports, the accused called the victim at the spot, where he poured kerosene on her and set her on fire.Soon after committing the monstrous act, the suspect fled the spot.

Passersby took quick cognizance and put out the fire.During a heated argument, the attackers sprinkled petrol, set her on fire and escaped before people could raise an alarm. On a complaint by girl’s brother, police picked up a youth, who allegedly resorted to the ghastly crime as the girl had spurned his advances.