The accused had been stalking the victim for over a month, claiming he was in love with her. (Photo for representative purposes only) | Photo Credit: AP more-in Indhuja (22) died of the burns she sustained after she was set ablaze, allegedly by Aakash (25), for refusing his proposal. Her mother Renuka (44) and sister Nivedha (20), who tried to rescue her, sustained burns and are being treated in hospital for their injuries. Aakash, an engineering graduate, used to be friendly with Indhuja and has been stalking her for over a month, claiming that he was in love with her. He went to her house at Saraswathi Nagar in Adambakkam on Monday night after she didn't respond to his calls and set her ablaze after pouring kerosene on her. According to reports, Indhuja and her family were initially reluctant to open the door, but Aakash persisted and gained entry, saying he only wanted to speak to her for a few minutes. On hearing screams, neighbours rushed to the house and took all the three women to the Chromepet Government Hospital. Indhuja was declared ‘dead on arrival’ and Renuka and Nivedha were later taken to the Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) Hospital. Doctors at the KMC Hospital said Renuka and Nivedha suffered 49% and 23% burns repectively, mostly on their faces and hands. The accused, who escaped from the scene after receiving a few blows, was reportedly picked up by the police on Tuesday. (With inputs from Zubeda Hamid)

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