CUDDALORE: A 64-year-old farmer was doused in petrol and set on fire at a village near Panruti in Cuddalore district on Thursday night by his daughter-in-law’s lover for objecting to their affair, police said. The victim, Rajendiran from Maligampattu village under Kadampuliyur police limits, suffered 70% burns on the neck, back and lower hip.
Rajendiran was riding pillion with his friend Kandan when three men in a van intercepted them. Two assailants got down, poured petrol on Rajendiran and set him on fire after chasing Kandan away. They then fled. Police reviewed CCTV camera footage and zeroed in on D Manikandan, 39, of Panruti. Police said Manikandan was in a relationship with Rajendiran’s daughter-in-law B Jayapriya, 28, whose husband had died three years ago. Rajendiran had objected to their affair and this angered Manikandan. Police arrested Manikandan, his aide G Gubendiran, 29, van driver M Parthiban, 28, and Jayapriya. They were produced before a local magistrate, who remanded them in judicial custody. Passersby rushed the farmer to Panruti govt hospital, after which he was referred to Cuddalore govt general hospital.
