A 35-year-old woman in Bengaluru, India, lost her life after her live-in partner set her on fire during a traffic stop.

The victim, Vanajakshi, succumbed to her burn injuries while receiving treatment in a hospital.

Police reports reveal that the accused, Vithal, is a cab driver with a history of alcoholism and had been married three times before.

Vanajakshi had also been married twice before starting her live-in relationship with Vithal, which lasted almost four years.

Investigators say Vanajakshi recently moved out of Vithal’s home after facing repeated harassment due to his drinking habits. She had also formed a friendship with another man, Mariappa, who is part of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.

On the day of the attack, Vithal followed Vanajakshi’s car while she was returning from a temple with Mariappa and the driver.

At a traffic signal, he stopped their vehicle and poured petrol inside. The flammable liquid splashed onto Vanajakshi, Mariappa, and the driver.

While Mariappa and the driver managed to escape, Vithal chased Vanajakshi, poured more petrol on her, and set her on fire using a lighter.

A passerby immediately rushed to help, using a cloth to extinguish the flames. Together with others, he took her to a private hospital, sustaining minor burns in the process.

Vanajakshi suffered burns over nearly 60% of her body and later died in the hospital.

Vithal, who also got some burn injuries, was arrested by the police within 24 hours.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Narayana M, of the Electronic City Division, said: “This tragedy started because of personal issues between the couple.

The accused has been arrested quickly, and strict charges have been applied to ensure justice. We also commend the bravery of the man who tried to save her.”