Retaliatory action for not giving lift on bike; new bike set on fire; complaint against youth

VARKALA: The Varkala police have registered a case against a youth for allegedly setting a bike ablaze in retaliation for not giving a lift on the bike. The bike, which was bought just 15 days ago belonged to Pullanicode native Vineeth. It was Vineeth's neighbour Nishanth who set the bike on fire. According to the police, Nishanth went into hiding after the incident. The police have launched an investigation to nab the accused immediately.

Last night, Nishanth asked Vineeth to give him a ride to his sister's house while they were talking outside of Vineeth's home. Nishanth threatened to set the bike on fire after Vineeth declined to give him a ride. The two then got into a verbal argument. Vineeth and his family were awakened by the sound of the motorcycle's petrol tank exploding in the morning. Although they immediately tried to put out the fire, the bike was completely gutted. The tin-sheet roof and wiring of the house were also damaged in the fire.