Police team deployed near Nemili town after youth set on fire dies

Police deploy in Thirumalpur village after youth set on fire dies, suspects arrested, investigation ongoing, no caste angle.

A large contingent of police personnel has been deployed in Thirumalpur village near Nemili town here on Thursday after one of the youth, who was set on fire on January 16, succumbed to injuries atthe Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital in Chennai on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Surya, alias Tamizharasan, 22, of Nelvoy village near Nemili town.

The police said Tamizharasan and his friend Vijay Ganapathy, 25, were returning home after playing cricket, when the accused Prem Kumar, 25, of Thirumalpur village, and his friend Venketasan, 23, picked a quarrel with them.

Tamilzharasan was carrying a bottle of petrol to refuel his bike. As the quarrel turned intense, Prem Kumar snatched the bottle. In the melee, some petrol splashed on the duo. Subsequently, Kumar allegedly lit a cigarette and set them on fire.

Tamizharasan and Vijay Ganapathy suffered 60% and 25% burns respectively. They were initially admitted to a hospital in Kancheepuram.

Tamilzharasan was later shifted to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital where he succumbed to burn injuries.

Nemili police registered a case under Sections 296(b) (Uttering obscene words), 115(2) (Voluntarily causing hurt), 109 (Attempt to murder), and 351(2) (Criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Prem Kumar and Ventesan.