Pic: Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Feb 24: A young couple that had doused their bodies with kerosene before torching themselves in a rented home at Payyanur in the district, lost their lives at the Pariyaram Medical College Hospital here on Tuesday, February 23.

Shivaprasad (28), son of T Ravi from the West Elery district, and Arya (21), daughter of Rajan from Maranjiri, Ailott, lost their lives in this fashion. The two had ignited the fire to burn themselves to death on the evening of February 19. They were admitted into the hospital with severe burn injuries. Arya lost her battle for life on the night of February 22 while Shivaprasad breathed his last on February 23.

Shivaprasad (left) and Arya

Shivaprasad, who was employed, and Arya, a Hindi degree student, were in love with each other. The family of the girl however were making preparations to perform Arya's marriage with another boy. The engagement ceremony of Arya was fixed for February 21. Arya, who came out of her classroom after partly attempting her Hindi examination paper on February 19, went to the rented house of Shivaprasad with him. Once there, both poured kerosene on themselves and set themselves ablaze.

A letter written by Shivaprasad about their decision to end their lives has been recovered by the police. Payyanur police have registered a case and begun an investigation.