A woman, who was admonished for beating a cow, drenched herself with kerosene, and set herself ablaze in H.D. Kote on Friday.

The victim, Kuppamma, has suffered severe burns and is battling for her life in hospital.

It all came about when Kuppamma found a cow munching on some of the cereal and rice kept outside her house for drying.

She tied up the cow and began beating it. The owner of the cow came over and admonished her for harming the cow.

Even local residents crowded around the owner and supported him, and castigated Kuppamma for attacking a mute animal. She was so distressed by the incident that she decided to end her life, say sources.

Local residents say Kuppamma had been depressed for the last few months, and was in the habit of threatening to commit suicide. This is why people in the area did not take such threats seriously. But, when she set herself ablaze, they rushed to her rescue and took her to hospital. Her condition is said to be critical.