Kottayam: A 25-year-old jilted lover set his girlfriend and himself ablaze here in Kottayam on Wednesday, leaving both in critical condition.
Adarsh and Lekshmi were battling for life at the Kottayam Medical College after suffering 70 per cent burns, doctors said.
The incident took place at the School of Medical Education when Adarsh, a passout from the college, went to the young woman’s classroom and poured petrol on her.
As a frightened Lekshmi ran out, Adarsh, who had by then poured petrol on himself too, pursued her, witnesses said.
Adarsh grabbed Lekshmi and in a flash both of them were in flames.
“Due to the exams and a shutdown, classrooms were mostly empty. We were in the library when we heard the girl scream,” a student told IANS.
According to other students, Adarsh and Lekshmi were in love but their families had objected to their relationship.