Woman sets mother-in-law on fire after family dispute in Pendurthi

In a horrifying incident in Appannapalem village of Pendurthi mandal, Visakhapatnam district, a woman allegedly tied her mother-in-law to a chair, blindfolded her, poured petrol on her, and set her on fire. The gruesome act is said to have stemmed from ongoing family disputes and tensions between the two women.

According to the police, the victim, Jayanti Kanaka Mahalaxmi (63), died on the spot after sustaining severe burn injuries. A case was registered following a complaint by her son, Jayanti Subrahmanyam (36), who stated that his wife committed the murder due to repeated quarrels and interference from his mother in their personal matters.

During interrogation, the accused, Lalitha Devi, confessed to the crime. She reportedly told the police that her in-laws had been mentally harassing her since her marriage, often criticizing her over household chores and cleanliness. Frustrated with the constant conflicts, she planned the attack a day in advance.

On the evening of November 6, Lalitha Devi bought petrol from a nearby fuel station under the pretext of refueling a car. The next morning, after her husband and nephew left home, she carried out her plan. Telling her children they were playing a “police and thief” game, she blindfolded and tied up her mother-in-law, poured petrol on her, and set her ablaze.

The victim’s eight-year-old granddaughter, Srinayana, suffered burn injuries while trying to save her grandmother and was rushed to a private hospital for treatment.

At the time of the incident, eight family members were living in the house - Subrahmanyam, Lalitha Devi, their two children (Eshwar Chandra, 10, and Srinayana), the victim Mahalaxmi, a relative Akkella Chayadevi, and nephew Sharath.

After the crime, Lalitha Devi surrendered herself at the Pendurthi police station and admitted to the murder. The police have registered a case under BNS Section 103 (equivalent to murder) with FIR No. 495/2025, and further investigation is underway.