IDUKKI: Crucial information has come out in the case of the father who set fire to his son and family in Cheenikuzhy. Cheenikuzhy native Muhammad Faisal (45), wife Sheeba (40), daughters Mehreen (16) and Asna (13) were burnt to death in the wee hours of Saturday. Faisal's father Hameed (79) was arrested by the Karimannoor police yesterday in connection with the case.

Police said Hameed had earlier threatened to kill Faisal and his family. Faisal had lodged a complaint with the Thodupuzha police station two weeks ago alleging that his father had threatened to set his house on fire.

That morning, Hameed and Faisal had an argument over food. Hameed complained that Faisal's family was not taking proper care of him. The accused committed the crime with precise planning.

Faisal, who runs a nearby grocery store, had kept petrol in bottles for sale in the car. Hameed took away 10 bottles of petrol soon after Faisal and his family went outside the house. Faisal, his wife and children used to sleep in a single room due to the threat from Hameed.

Hameed had drained out the water stored in the tanks of the houses of Faisal and his neighbour before setting the house on fire. He also disconnected the power supply to the motor that was used to draw water to the neighbour's house. After locking the rooms of his son and his family from outside, he set ablaze the house by dousing petrol. He then went straight to his neighbour’s house and told them that he had finished them off. His neighbours informed the incident to the police. The police will file an application tomorrow seeking custody of Hameed.