A woman from the Vazhmangalam village of Nagapattinam set her daughter ablaze over her relationship with a Dalit man. She also immolated herself and has suffered 80 percent burns.

The 17-year-old class 11 girl had expressed her desire to marry 22-year-old Rajkumar, a Dalit youth, but her mother, Uma Maheshwari, refused to accept their relationship and decided to get the girl married to someone from their own community (BC). The girl, who would've turned 18 next month, reportedly explained to her mother that she cannot stop her from leaving the house when she turned 18. Angered by this, Uma poured kerosene over her daughter and herself, killing the 17-year-old in the process.

The mother and daughter were instantly rushed to the GH in Nagapattinam where Uma Maheshwari is currently receiving treatment, although the doctors have reportedly informed that her condition is critical. An FIR has been registered against her under section 302 (punishment for murder) of the IPC, while further investigation is underway.