CUDDALORE: In a shocking act of vengeance, two men doused a 64-year-old farmer with petrol and set him on fire near Panruti in Cuddalore district on Thursday night, police said. The victim, Rajendiran from Maligampattu village under Kadampuliyur police limits, suffered severe burns on his neck, back, and lower hip.The attack unfolded when three men in a van intercepted Rajendiran, who was riding pillion with his friend Kandan. Two assailants got down, poured petrol on Rajendiran, and set him on fire before chasing Kandan away and fleeing.
Passersby rescued the farmer and rushed him to Panruti govt hospital for first aid, after which he was shifted to Cuddalore govt general hospital for advanced treatment.Superintendent of police S Jeyakumar visited the scene with a team and launched an investigation. Four special teams under DSP (Panruti) P N Raja reviewed nearby CCTV footage, leading to swift arrests. The prime accused, D Manikandan (39) from Panruti, was in a relationship with Rajendiran’s daughter-in-law, B Jayapriya (28) from Maligampattu. Also arrested were Manikandan’s G Gubendiran (29) from Panruti, van driver M Parthiban (28) from Chithiraichavadi, and Jayapriya. Police seized the van used in the crime.Initial probes revealed Manikandan targeted Rajendiran, viewing him as an obstacle to continuing the affair despite the farmer’s objections. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover additional motives or accomplices. The incident has heightened concerns over rising honour crimes and domestic disputes in rural Tamil Nadu.
