Kerala policewoman burnt to death by male colleague

Alappuzha (Kerala), June 15 

A Kerala policewoman was on Saturday brutally murdered by her male colleague, who first knocked her down on the road with his car, then stabbed her and finally set her ablaze, police said.

The incident occurred at Mavelikera, near here, around 3 pm, when Soumya Pushapakaren, 32, was going from her home to her work place at the Vallikunnu police station. 

Her friend and colleague Ajaz, who is posted at the Aluva Traffic police station, then came in his car and hit Pushapakeren, who was on her two-wheeler.

As she got up and tried to flee, Ajaz slashed her with a sword and after she fell down again, doused her with petrol and set her ablaze.

A terrified Pushapakeren ran into a nearby home where she collapsed and succumbed to her injuries. Ajaz, who himself suffered burn injuries, was taken into custody and is now admitted to the Medical College hospital near here.

Pushapakeren is survived by three children and her husband who works in the Middle East.

Top police officials have reached the place and the matter is being investigated.

It is not yet known what prompted Ajaz's murderous attack. — IANS