Alappuzha: A woman civil police officer was set on fire on Saturday by a traffic police personnel near her home in Kerala's Alappuzha district.

The deceased police officer was identified as Soumya Pushpakaran, a civil police officer posted at the Vallikunnam station near Mavelikkara, according to a report in Mathrubhumi. Pushpakaran is survived by three children. Her husband works abroad.

The 34-year-old was knocked off her two-wheeler by the car of the accused, identified as Ajaz, when she was returning home from work. When the accused stepped out of a car with a machete in hand, Pushpakaran ran and sought refuge in a house nearby. Ajaz then hacked her and allegedly poured petrol over her and set her ablaze.

Pushpakaran died on the spot.

The accused, posted with the Aluva traffic police team, suffered burn injuries and was taken into police custody soon after the attack. He has been admitted to the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital.

The reason for the attack is yet to be ascertained, the police said.

In April, a 21-year-old engineering student was killed in Thrissur after the accused entered her house and set her ablaze.

In another incident in March, a 20-year-old student was set on fire by a man who was allegedly stalking her for months.

(With inputs from agencies)