A 46-year-old man allegedly attempted to kill his wife and mother-in-law by pouring petrol on them and setting them ablaze at Karivellur near Payyanur on Sunday night (August 16). All three, including the accused, suffered serious burn injuries.

The accused, C.V. Sanalkumar of Varikkara, Peralam, Swamimukku, suffered around 80% burns and is in critical condition in the intensive care unit of Kannur Government Medical College Hospital. The Payyanur police have registered a case of attempted murder against him based on a complaint filed by his father-in-law, V.V. Prabhakaran of Kookanam, Karivellur.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. at Valiyavalappil house near the Muthappan temple at Kookanam. The police said Sanalkumar allegedly poured petrol on his wife, P. Prajisha, 37, and her mother, P. Padmini, 56, before setting them ablaze.

The police suspect that the incident followed Prajisha’s decision to seek a divorce from Sanalkumar.

Prajisha and Padmini suffered more than 50% burns. They were given initial treatment at a hospital in Payyanur and later shifted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Kannur.

Sanalkumar, who also suffered severe burns while allegedly carrying out the attack, collapsed at the scene. The Payyanur police, with the help of residents, took him to hospital.

Prabhakaran, the house owner, and his grandchildren narrowly escaped the fire. The police have begun an investigation into the incident.