KOLLAM: A 40-year-old youth sets him ablaze after hacking his wife and daughter. The incident happened at Nadukunnu in Pathanapuram. The youth dead has been identified as Roopesh. His wife Anju (27) who sustained injuries has been admitted at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and daughter Arushma aged 10 at SAT Hospital. Police said a family dispute is behind the attack and suicide.

There were regular fights between the couple. A dispute broke out early Friday morning at 2.30 am and in a fit of rage, he hacked his wife and daughter. His daughter sustained serious injuries on her eye. When their neighbours rushed to the spot hearing their screams saw smoke bellowing. They immediately called the fire force thinking that the house has caught fire. When they broke opened the door and got inside, saw Roopesh in burns. He was immediately taken to Punalur Taluk Hospital, but his life could not be saved.

Police said the condition of Anju and Arushma are out of danger. Roopesh was an auto driver. The family were living in a rented house in Nadukunnu for quite some time. The police have started an investigation.