A 36-year-old casual employee of the Ponneri Government Hospital in Tiruvallur district suffered severe burns after an unidentified person allegedly set her on fire after pouring petrol on her on the hospital premises.
The victim, Rajeshwari, 36, was working in the emergency department of the hospital. The police said she was leaving the hospital after completing her duty when an unidentified man allegedly poured petrol from a bottle on her.
Shocked, Rajeshwari ran back towards the emergency department. The man allegedly struck a matchstick and threw it at her.
Doctors and nurses at the hospital immediately rushed to her aid, put out the flames and provided first aid. Rajeshwari suffered burns to her face, chest, hands and legs, with doctors assessing the extent of burns at around 50%.
She was subsequently shifted to the Government Kilpauk Hospital for advanced treatment. Ponneri police launched an investigation and are questioning hospital staff and others. The police are probing whether the attack was linked to a previous dispute at the hospital or was motivated by a personal issue involving the temporary employee.
The Ponneri Judicial Magistrate also visited the government hospital and questioned hospital staff about the incident.
Published – September 21, 2026 11:50 pm IST
