Tirupati( Andhra Pradesh): A 19-year-old teenage girl has been apprehended by the police in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district, for her alleged involvement in a series of arson attacks.
Shockingly, she has been accused of setting fire to 12 houses, including her own, in a bid to change her mother's behaviour and escape from her village.
Mysterious Fires Spread Panic Among Villagers
Over the course of the past month, a string of "accidental" fires has erupted in New Sanambatla village, Chandragiri Mandal, leaving the residents in a state of terror and anxiety. With a total of 12 houses being engulfed in flames, fear has gripped the community, leading the authorities to swiftly respond to the escalating situation.
Investigation Underway, Building Trust Within the Village
In response to the alarming incidents, a thorough investigation has been launched. The police, accompanied by the district collector and MLA, have visited the village to assess the situation and provide support to the distressed community. To aid in the investigation, surveillance cameras have been installed, and efforts are being made to instil confidence and dispel any superstitions prevailing among the villagers.
Family Under Suspicion, Intense Interrogation Ensues
As the investigation progressed, the focus of suspicion initially fell on a specific family within the village. A male member of the household was subjected to intense interrogation. However, despite these efforts, the fires persisted, prompting the police to adopt an elimination method to identify the true culprit behind the devastating blaze.
Startling Confession Reveals Motive and Plan
Following meticulous questioning, the authorities apprehended Keerthi, a 19-year-old girl, who ultimately confessed to her involvement in the horrifying arson attacks. It was unveiled that Keerthi, driven by her desire to change her mother's behaviour and escape the village, meticulously planned and executed the fires. She believed that by creating an atmosphere of danger and chaos, her family would be compelled to leave the village.
Strained Family Dynamics and Desperation
The strained relationship between Keerthi and her mother, coupled with her own feelings of despair and frustration, acted as catalysts for her drastic actions. The teenage girl, desperate to escape the perceived disgrace and difficulties of her current situation, resorted to setting not only her own house ablaze but also targeted other homes within the village.
Forensic Analysis Reveals Lack of Chemical Substances
Forensic experts have examined the burnt materials collected from the affected houses and confirmed the absence of any chemical accelerants.
This finding reinforces the suspicion that the fires were deliberately set and not the result of accidental causes.
Consequently, the police have registered a case against Keerthi under sections 435 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to gather further evidence.
(With inputs from ANI)