Alappuzha: A woman civil police officer was killed after a traffic policeman set her on fire near her home at Mavelikkara in Alappuzha district on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Soumya Pushkaran, 34, a CPO at the Vallikunnam station near Mavelikkara.

The incident took place while Soumya was on her way home after attending a Student Police Cadet camp at Vattakadu school near Vallikunnam.

The assailant, Ajas from Aluva traffic police station, hit Soumya's scooter with his Maruti celerio car. When she tried to run, he hacked her with a knife and poured petrol over her before setting her ablaze. Soumya suffered severe injuries on her neck. The reason for the attack is not known yet.

The accused, who also suffered 40 per cent burns, was taken into custody by the police soon after the attack and has been admitted to the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital.

Soumya is survived by her husband Sajeev, who works abroad, and three children.