Indian student arrested in US after he tries to set family on fire

Lella has been charged with arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship,

Updated on: Dec 27, 2025, 12:15:41 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A 22-year-old Indian-origin student has been arrested in the United States on charges of arson and making a terroristic threat against family members, according to official records.

The accused, Manojh Sai Lella, a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas (LinkedIn/Manojh Lella)

The accused, Manojh Sai Lella, a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas, was taken into custody by Frisco police on Monday following a complaint from his family.

Police said they responded to Lella’s residence after family members reported a mental health episode and alleged that he had issued threats. Authorities further stated that Lella is accused of attempting to set the home on fire several days before the arrest.

Lella has been charged with arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship, a first-degree felony, and with making a terroristic threat against a family or household member, a Class A misdemeanour.

However, police clarified that there is no evidence to suggest any threat to a place of worship. Court documents show that bond was set at $100,000 for the arson charge and $3,500 for the misdemeanour count.

Further investigation into the incident is ongoing, police said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.