Dispute over phone call; Two in custody for trying to set friend on fire with petrol

KOCHI: An attempt to set a youth on fire with petrol following a dispute between friends. Arun (38) of Kakkad, who suffered serious burn injuries, is undergoing treatment at the Kottayam Medical College Hospital. His friend Jishnu poured petrol on Arun and tried to kill him by setting him on fire. He also suffered burn injuries. The incident happened Thursday early morning at around 12:30 at Piravom in Ernakulam.

A verbal dispute between the two led to the attack. Jishnu, who was abroad, came for vacation last week. When Arun called Jishnu on the phone the other day, his mother answered the call. It is alleged that Arun spoke to Jishnu’s mother in an abusive manner. Jishnu along with two of his friends came to Arun’s house to ask about it. A verbal dispute broke out between the two and in a fit of rage, Jishnu poured the petrol he had in his hand on Arun and set him on fire.

Arun, who is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of Kottayam Medical College Hospital, has suffered 70 percent burns. Jishnu, who sustained serious injuries while setting him on fire, is also undergoing treatment. The Piravom police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Police said that four have been named as accused. Two including Jishnu, is presently in police custody.