Frisco, Texas, 27 December (H.S.): A 22-year-old Indian-origin senior at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) faces serious felony and misdemeanor charges after Frisco police arrested him on December 22 for allegedly attempting to set his family home ablaze and issuing terroristic threats during a reported mental health episode.

Manojh Sai Lella, residing in Frisco, was taken into custody both on sight and a local warrant following a distress call from family members who feared for their safety after he threatened harm within the household.

Authorities responded to the Lella residence where relatives described Lella experiencing acute psychological distress; investigators determined he had tried igniting the property several days prior, prompting charges of arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship—a first-degree felony carrying a potential 5-99 year sentence—and terroristic threat against a family or household member, classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

Collin County jail records set bond at $100,000 for the arson count and $3,500 for the threat charge; Frisco Police Department emphasized no evidence links the incident to any place of worship, clarifying the habitation aspect pertains solely to the family dwelling.

Lella, pursuing a degree in Information Technology with prior volunteer experience and student organization involvement per his LinkedIn profile, remained in custody as of December 24, with the probe ongoing under Frisco PD—no unrelated accidents or fires occurred at the scene, and family cooperation aided the swift response. The case underscores growing concerns over mental health support for international students amid academic pressures.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar