A shocking incidence of harassment and one-sided obsession has taken place in Mysuru, where a 27-year-old man sustained critical burn injuries after reportedly pouring petrol on himself and trying to embrace a diploma engineering student. The incident occurred near a hostel in the city’s Vijayanagar area and has raised concerns about student safety and the dangers of obsessive behaviour.
According to police sources, the accused is Chandan, from Halaguru village in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district. The victim is a diploma engineering student from the same village, currently in Mysuru and staying in a hostel in Vijayanagar.
Alleged Harassment over One-Sided Love
Early investigations suggest that Chandan had been pursuing the young woman for some time and was trying to persuade her to accept his romantic advances. But the student did not respond to his offers. Even after repeated rejection, the accused is said to have continued following and harassing her.
On the day of the incident, the student had left her hostel and was on her way to college when Chandan intercepted her near the hostel premises. Based on the witness accounts and initial police findings, he was armed with petrol and carried out the act in a desperate and dangerous attempt to gain attention from the student.
Petrol Poured and Fire Erupts
Chandan poured petrol on himself, investigators say, before intentionally setting himself on fire. In an odd turn of events, Chandan even tried to hug the student while he was in flames. The young woman quickly escaped from him before suffering major injuries.
The student suffered burn injuries that took up to 20 per cent of her body and was immediately rushed to a private hospital for treatment. Doctors told local media she is receiving medical attention while she is under observation.
Chandan suffered much more severe injuries. He suffered burns over nearly 80% of his body and was admitted to the KR Hospital in Mysuru. Medical officials say his condition is critical and he is fighting for his life.
Police Launch Investigation
After the incident, officers from Vijayanagar Police Station rushed to the scene and started an investigation. A case has been registered, and police are following up with witnesses, hostel authorities, and the victim to determine the exact sequence of events.
In addition, investigators will also probe whether the accused had previously threatened or stalked the student and whether any previous complaints were made about his behaviour. CCTV footage from the area will be reviewed as part of the investigation, the police said.
Growing concern over Student Safety
The incident has raised serious concerns about the dangers of stalking, harassment, and obsessive one-sided relationships. Educational institutions and law enforcement agencies have repeatedly asked students to report any type of intimidation or unwanted attention at an early stage to prevent such situations from escalating.
Residents and students in Vijayanagar were shocked at the incident, describing it as an alarming example of rejection provoking reckless and dangerous acts in the community. Police have appealed to the public not to spread rumours and to allow the investigation to proceed based on verified facts.
More details will be disclosed in the course of the investigation as more information is gathered on the background of the incident and the reasons that led up to it.
