THRISSUR: The investigation into the fire that broke out at an oil company in Velakkode has taken a new turn. It has been found that the company was deliberately set on fire by an employee. The accused, Tito Thomas (36), has surrendered at the police station. He told the police that he set the company on fire out of resentment after being dismissed from his job.

The fire broke out around 3 AM today at Gulf Petrol Chemicals, an oil company located in the Velakkode Industrial Estate in Thrissur. The company is owned by Stephen, a native of Poothole, Thrissur. Firefighters from Kunnamkulam, Thrissur, and Guruvayur arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire.

Shortly after the fire started, the company owner received a phone message from the accused. Tito informed him that he had set the factory on fire and mockingly suggested that he should go and put it out. He then went to the Peramangalam police station and surrendered.

Tito Thomas worked as a driver at the oil company. About one and a half months ago, the owner had asked him to count and arrange oil cans, which angered him. Tito reportedly responded that it was not part of his job, leading to his dismissal. However, after understanding Tito’s financial struggles, Stephen had agreed to reinstate him starting from March 1. Despite this, Tito went ahead and set the factory on fire, causing damages estimated at Rs 1 crore.