Picture for representational purpose only.

A 22-year-old engineering student, Neethu Krishnakumar, was stabbed and set ablaze by her former lover at her home in Chiyyaram , Thrissur on Thursday morning. The accused, Nidheesh Kallukadan (27) of Vadakkekadu, has been hospitalised after being thrashed by the woman's neighbours.

Nidheesh, who works with a private firm in Kochi , had come prepared to the woman's house with petrol and a knife early on Thursday morning.

He had an argument with the woman before he stabbed her and set her ablaze.

Guruvayoor assistant commissioner P Bijraj said the two had an affair for about four years and they broke up later for some reasons.

The accused suspected that she was involved with someone else, which led to the argument and murder, he said.

The woman was declared brought dead at a nearby hospital.

