Girl sets herself ablaze, in critical condition

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, SEPT. 28. An 18-year-old girl set herself ablaze in her house at Vysarpadi today after she was questioned by the police in connection with a prohibition offence.

Gowri of Indira Gandhi Nagar at Vysarpadi was admitted to the Kilpauk Medical College Hospital in a serious condition.

Residents said the victim felt ashamed that she had been questioned by the police, and on returning home, she set fire to herself in the toilet. Family members, who noticed the smoke coming out of the toilet, took her to the hospital.

The police said Gowri, her sister and a boy were brought to the Prohibition Enforcement Wing office at Flower Bazaar this afternoon for an enquiry. They were accompanied by women police personnel. After obtaining a statement, the police sent them away.

Gowri, in her statement, stated that they were not involved in any illegal activity. Ironically, she also expressed her wish to join the police force as she had the minimum requirements that included a pass in SSLC.

The police said that Gowri's mother and aunt were habitual prohibition offenders, and that they had been detained under the Bootleggers Act.

Meanwhile, the police have intensified patrol in the area and posted pickets.

Woman robbed

A senior railway official's wife was relieved of a six-sovereign gold chain by an armed gang on the Sterling Road at Nungambakkam on Thursday afternoon.

According to eyewitnesses, Mrs. Bajpai, wife of Mr.Bajpai, chief signal and6 telecommunication engineer, was returning to her quarters when the culprits snatched her chain and escaped.

A hunt is on for the culprits.

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Section  : Southern States
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