A 26-year-old woman was allegedly burnt alive by her husband inside their rented house in Tilak Nagar in the early hours of Wednesday, in a chilling case of domestic violence that has shocked residents of the locality.

Woman succumbs to burns at hospital

The victim, Chityala Triveni, who worked at a hotel, sustained severe burn injuries after being set ablaze at her home in Tilak Nagar, under the limits of Nallakunta. She was rushed to Gandhi Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries around 4 am.

Her husband, K Venkatesh (32), a daily-wage labourer, was arrested on Thursday by the Nallakunta Police.

Allegations of long-term harassment

According to a complaint lodged by Triveni’s father, Chityala Appaiah (48), a farmer, the couple had moved from Huzur Nagar to Hyderabad about five years ago in search of work. They had been residing in a rented house in Tilak Nagar for the past year along with their two children — Naresh (8) and Sathvika (6).

Family members told police that Venkatesh had been accusing Triveni of infidelity and subjecting her to harassment for several years.

Neighbour alerts others after seeing flames

The incident came to light around 12.30 am on Wednesday when a neighbour, M Madhu, a food delivery executive returning from work, noticed flames coming from the couple’s house. He alerted other tenants and rushed inside, finding the front door open and Triveni engulfed in flames.

Neighbours immediately shifted her to hospital, but doctors could not save her.

Child’s statement reveals chilling details

During the preliminary investigation, the couple’s son Naresh reportedly told investigators that his father had woken him up, shown him a bottle of petrol, and taken him outside shortly before the incident. Police said the child claimed his father made a disturbing remark indicating his intent.

The younger child, Sathvika, who was sleeping near her mother, managed to run out of the room after hearing her mother scream and did not sustain any injuries.

Case registered, accused to be remanded

Based on the father’s complaint, police registered a case under Section 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. After post-mortem examination, Triveni’s body was handed over to her family.

The accused will be produced before a court on Friday and is expected to be remanded to judicial custody.