Woman official burnt alive in Hyderabad

A woman official was burnt alive by an unidentified man in her office in the outskirts of Hyderabad on Monday, police said. Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) Vijaya Reddy was in her chambers when the attacker walked in, poured petrol and set her ablaze.

The official died on the spot while two employees who tried to save the MRO were injured. The condition of one of them is stated to be critical.

Police said the incident occurred in Abdullahpurmet during lunch break when there were not many visitors in the office.

According to an eye-witness, a loud sound was heard following which some staff rushed to the Tahsildars chamber and saw her running out engulfed in flames.

“We heard a loud sound from Madam's chamber and ran towards it and saw madam in flames. We tried to save her,” the eye-witness said.

The incident led to chaos in the Tahsildar office, thronged by the public, and scores of shocked revenue employees later staged a protest seeking justice while the body of the Tahsildar was being taken to hospital for post-mortem.

Telangana Education Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy and senior police officials reached the spot.

Condemning the incident, the minister said the motive for the attack was yet to be ascertained as the assailant was also injured and currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.

"If there is any grievance people should approach appropriate authorities. Officials also work for the welfare of the people only. They (people) should not resort to heinous acts. This is not the correct way," Sabita Reddy said.

The incident sent shock waves among government officials. The employees began to protest, demanding security.

Police have launched the hunt for the assailant.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat and senior officials rushed to the scene.

Congress MP from Bhongir constituency Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, who also visited the office after the incident, alleged discrepancies in land passbooks were being witnessed in the state.

With agencies input