Suspect who set hospital worker on fire shot while trying to evade arrest

The police shot a man, who had set a woman on fire at the Ponneri government hospital, after he allegedly attacked a police officer with a sickle while trying to evade arrest. The police shot him in the leg and arrested him.The suspect, Prakash, set a 36-year-old temporary employee of the Ponneri government hospital on fire on Monday, after a dispute over their relationship.The victim, Rajeshwari, works as a computer operator on a temporary basis at the government hospital in Tiruvallur district. She suffered burns to her face, chest, hands, and legs, and was shifted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai for further treatment.The incident occurred on Monday evening when Rajeshwari was leaving the hospital after completing her duty. According to police, the suspect, Prakash, 36, of Madhavaram, allegedly approached her, poured petrol on her from a bottle and set her on fire.Rajeshwari screamed for help and ran towards the emergency department.Doctors and nurses rushed to her aid, doused the flames and provided first aid. She suffered around 50% burns, police said.The Ponneri police formed two special teams to trace the attacker. During the search, police traced Prakash hiding near a cremation ground.When a police team moved to apprehend him, Prakash allegedly attacked Ponneri sub-inspector Tamilarasan with a sickle, injuring him. Ponneri Inspector Sivakumar then opened fire, hitting Prakash in the leg, and secured him.Prakash was given first aid at Ponneri Government Hospital before being shifted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital. Sub-inspector Tamilarasan is also undergoing treatment at the Ponneri hospital.Preliminary investigation revealed that Prakash and Rajeshwari knew each other and were in a relationship.The police said Prakash’s wife had earlier received treatment at the hospital and that he and Rajeshwari became acquainted during that period.They reportedly remained in contact even after his wife’s death.Police suspect that Rajeshwari recently ended contact with Prakash, following which he allegedly decided to attack her. Published - September 23, 2026 12:01 am IST