KOLLAM: A heavily drunk man on Wednesday killed his wife by setting her ablaze. The dead has been identified as Kottarakkara Kottathala Moozhikkodeu Churuvila house resident Maya (42).

Accused Rajan doused his wife with kerosene and set her on fire at around 5 pm. She was rushed to Kottarakkara hospital in serious condition. There she was given the first aired and referred to Medical College hospital, where she died by 7:30 pm on Thursday.

Maya’s daughter gave the statement to the police that her father was a habitual drinker and on most days picked quarrel with her mother. Thinking that Wednesday’s quarrel was also a usual thing, she remained shut inside the puja room. The elder son of Maya is in Idukki for some electric work.

Meanwhile, Rajan surrendered in the police station on Wednesday night itself.