A woman tehsildar in Telangana died on Monday after a man entered her chamber, poured petrol on her and then set her on fire in a gruesome attack that police and revenue officials said could be linked to a land dispute.

Vijaya Reddy, in her mid-30s, died on the spot while two employees at the office in Abdullapurmet were injured trying to rescue her, a senior revenue official said.

The assailant, a local man named Suresh, also suffered burns in the alleged 1.30pm attack, the official added.

Rachakonda police commissioner Mahesh M. Bhagwat told reporters the three injured persons had been admitted to a nearby hospital. “This is the first time that such an incident happened in a government office. The man, involved in the attack, also suffered burns and is undergoing treatment in a hospital. He is in our custody. He suffered 50-60 per cent burns.”

The officer said the attack appeared to be linked to a land dispute, according to preliminary investigations, but further probe would reveal why he did it or whether somebody had provoked him. Who gave him entry into the government office is also being looked into, the commissioner said, adding a fast-track court would try the case.

Ibrahimpatnam revenue divisional officer Amarender said Vijaya was alone in her chamber when the assailant entered, doused her in petrol and set her on fire.

An eyewitness saw Vijaya rush out in flames soon after a loud sound from her chamber. “We heard a loud sound from Madam’s chamber and ran towards it and saw Madam in flames. We tried to save her,” the eyewitness said. Dozens of revenue employees later staged a protest seeking justice.

Telangana education minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy, who visited the spot, said the motive for the attack was yet to be ascertained. “If there is any grievance people should approach the appropriate authorities…. This is not the correct way.”

Congress MP from Bhongir constituency Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, who visited the office after the incident, alleged discrepancies in land passbooks.