Man sets house on fire; three of family die of burns, children under treatment

MALAPPURAM: Three admitted to the hospital in a critical condition after sustaining burns have succumbed to the injuries. The dead are Manikandan (50), of Maranchery Kanjiramukkil Eratt House, his wife Reena (42) and mother Saraswathi (70). Manikandan's daughter Nandana (22) and Anirudhan (20) also suffered burns. Their injuries are not serious.

The incident happened early Wednesday morning around 1 am. Manikandan poured petrol on his body and set him ablaze. He informed the police about this before he died. His two children were in the next room. Hearing the commotion, the locals broke opened the door and took the victims to the hospital. Though they were taken to the Thrissur Medical College Hospital, the lives of the three could not be saved. Anirudhan and Nandana are undergoing treatment.

Financial obligations are said to the reason for the suicide. The police arrived and examined the place. A bottle containing petrol was recovered. The police have registered a case and an investigation has started.