Traffic cop, who set ablaze woman civil police officer in Kerala, dies during treatment

A traffic cop, who allegedly set ablaze a woman civil police officer in broad daylight in Kerala, died at the Medical College Hospital on Wednesday evening, where he was treated for burn injuries.

The accused, identified as Ajas, was working at the Aluva Traffic police, was close to 32-year-old Soumya Pushapakaren, who worked as a policewoman at the Vallikunnu police station.

He allegedly followed the woman in a car last Saturday when she was on her way back home after work in the evening. Azaz reportedly first knocked her down on the road with his car, then stabbed her and finally set her ablaze.

She died on the spot while the policeman, who also suffered 40 per cent burns, was taken into custody, a police official said. A native of Vallikkunnam here, Soumya was staying with her three children. Her husband is working abroad.

Ajaz wanted to marry his colleague, a mother of three, and they had financial dealings in the past. While his arrest was recorded and his statement taken by a magistrate, he told his friends that things went out of control.

He was admitted to the government medical college hospital where his condition turned worse, and he died around 5.40 p.m. on Wednesday, police said.