Man held for attempting to set jewellery shop owner on fire

The Ramapuram police here on Saturday arrested a man who allegedly attempted to set a jewellery shop owner on fire by dousing him in kerosene.

The accused, identified as Hari, entered a jewellery store at Ramapuram Junction around 10.30 a.m. and poured kerosene on the shop owner, K.P. Ashokan, before setting him ablaze.

According to the police, the accused, who operates a construction company, had financial disputes with the victim.

After the incident, the accused fled the scene but later surrendered before the Ramapuram police. The victim has sustained severe burns and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.