Indian-origin university student arrested in Texas on arson, threat charges
PTC Web Desk: A 22-year-old student of Indian origin studying in the United States has been taken into custody in Texas following allegations of arson and issuing threats against members of his own family, according to police records.
The accused, Manojh Sai Lella, a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas, was arrested by the Frisco Police Department on Monday after officers responded to a call reporting a mental health crisis at his residence.
Authorities said family members contacted the police after Lella allegedly made threatening statements during the episode. Investigators further claimed that he had attempted to set the house on fire a few days prior to the arrest.
Lella has been charged with arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship, which is classified as a first-degree felony, along with making a terroristic threat against a family or household member, a Class A misdemeanour.
The police clarified that while the arson charge carries a reference to a place of worship under Texas law, there is no indication that any religious site was targeted in this case.
Court records show that bail was set at $100,000 for the arson charge and $3,500 for the misdemeanour offence. Further legal proceedings are expected in the coming days.
- With inputs from agencies
