Hearing her screams, Anusha's parents rushed to protect her but they were stabbed several times by Rajesh. Anusha's father N. Srinu, 37, and mother N. Satyavathi, 35, died on the way to hospital.

Neighbours caught Rajesh, beat him up and handed him over to police.

The incident has shocked the state and evoked strong public outrage. Women and student organisations held demonstrations demanding stringent punishment to the guilty. Even autorickshaw drivers in the town observed a shutdown.

Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy told reporters here that the government would take all steps to help Anusha and her two younger sisters. She said the government would fund their education.

The minister said stern action would be taken against Rajesh. She said this case would come under the proposed legislation to provide stringent punishment to those involved in acid attacks on women.