A long-standing family dispute over an unpaid loan escalated into a shocking arson attempt in Bengaluru’s Viveknagar area on Tuesday evening. Two people escaped narrowly after their house was set ablaze, allegedly by a relative.
According to police, the accused, Subramani, allegedly poured petrol on the house of Venkataramani and set it on fire around 5:30 pm on July 1. Venkataramani and her son Mohan Das were inside the house at the time and were rescued after neighbours heard their screams. Subramani and his sister Parvati, are said to be cousins of Parvati.
CCTV footage captured the act, where a man can be seen walking up to a house, opening the gate and then pouring liquid, presumably petrol or any other inflammable material, from a plastic bottle on the items around. He then moves back and lights a match and sets it on fire and then walks away.
According to sources, the conflict traces back to a Rs 5 lakh loan Venkataramani gave Parvati nearly eight years ago for her daughter Mahalakshmi’s wedding. The money was never repaid, despite repeated requests. Tensions reignited during a recent family wedding when the loan was brought up again, allegedly prompting the conspiracy to kill.
The fire damaged the front portion and windows of the house. Satish, Venkataramani’s other son, lodged a complaint at the Viveknagar Police Station against his aunt Parvati.
Based on his complaint, an FIR has been registered against Subramani, Parvati, and Mahalakshmi under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Sections 109, 326(g), 351(2), 352), with charges including attempt to murder and voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means. All three are currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt to trace them.
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