Friend throws burning cloth on girl

Police said the accused and the victim,both in their early 20s,knew each other from their native place,Masaudhi,Patna.

The incident occurred around 2 pm on Bank Road (near Women’s Hostel of the AU) in Colonelganj area.

Police said Riya and her male friend,Munna Yadav,were walking together when suddenly Munna set afire a T-shirt,apparently dipped in petrol,and threw it on her. He had reportedly been carrying the petrol dipped T-shirt in his backpack.

Riya was rushed to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital,from where she was taken to a private hospital. “The girl sustained around 20 per cent injuries on her back,neck and arms. She has been taken to a private hospital for better treatment,’’ said Circle Officer (Colonelganj),Ajay Kumar Singh.

Munna was caught by locals and handed over to the police. “The accused has been arrested and a case under Sections 307 and 326 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered,’’said Singh.

Police said Riya is a fifth semester student of B Tech (Electronics and Communications) at J K Institute of Applied Physics and Technology,part of the AU. Munna is currently pursuing a polytechnic course in Patna.

Munna arrived in the city Monday night. “The two were together since morning. It appears Munna,who was in touch with the victim through Facebook and phone,was not happy with Riya’s friendship with another person,’’ said a police official.