A shocking incident of violence was reported from Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu, where a 64-year-old man died after being set on fire following a dispute related to an alleged illicit relationship. The incident occurred on January 29, 2026, and police have confirmed the arrest of four individuals in connection with the case.
The victim, identified as Rajendran, suffered extensive burn injuries and later succumbed while undergoing treatment at a government hospital, according to police officials.
Incident Details
As per the preliminary investigation, Rajendran had reportedly questioned the relationship involving his niece. Police allege that this confrontation led to a violent attack in which the accused intercepted him while he was travelling on a motorcycle.
Investigators stated that the attackers allegedly doused him with petrol and set him on fire before fleeing the scene. Rajendran sustained approximately 70 percent burn injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he later died.
Arrests and Accused
Police have arrested four accused, including the victim’s niece Jayapriya and her alleged partner Manikandan. Two other individuals were also taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the crime.
Officials stated that all the accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges related to murder and criminal conspiracy.
Police Investigation
Senior police officials said that the investigation is ongoing and that evidence, including eyewitness accounts and digital records, is being examined to establish the sequence of events leading to the crime.
Authorities have confirmed that further questioning of the accused is underway to determine individual roles and motive.
కోడలి అక్రమ సంబంధంపై నిలదీసినందుకు మామ సజీవ దహనం
— ChotaNews App (@ChotaNewsApp) February 1, 2026
తమిళనాడులోని కడలూరు జిల్లాలో కోడలి అక్రమ సంబంధాన్ని మందలించినందుకు మామ రాజేంద్రన్(64)ను ఆమె ప్రియుడు పెట్రోల్ పోసి నిప్పంటించి కిరాతకంగా చంపాడు.
బైక్పై వెళ్తున్న రాజేంద్రన్ను అడ్డుకుని ఈ ఘాతుకానికి పాల్పడగా, ఆయన మంటల్లో… pic.twitter.com/zzl7eS3OeJ
Community Reaction
The incident has triggered widespread concern in the local community, with residents expressing shock over the brutality of the crime. Police have increased patrolling in the area to prevent any further disturbance.
Officials have appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
Current Status
All four accused remain in police custody, and further legal proceedings are expected following completion of the investigation. Authorities have stated that a detailed chargesheet will be filed after gathering all forensic and testimonial evidence.
The case has once again drawn attention to the need for lawful resolution of personal disputes and strict action against acts of extreme violence.
