TRICHY: A 29-year-old man was set on fire by his wife and mother-in-law over a family dispute in Edamalaipattipudhur in Trichy on Saturday. Police have arrested the two women and lodged them in the Central Prison.

Police said, the deceased has been identified as Vinayagamoorthy from Ramji Nagar. He was immolated by his wife, Vembarasi (20) and her mother Malliga (34) on Saturday night. Initially, police believed it to be a suicide. However, Vinayagamoorthy’s statement to the magistrate at the hospital revealed that his wife and her mother had committed the crime.

Police said, the couple was married for over one-and-a half years. However, within a short period of time, disputes arose between them and Vembarasi left her husband’s home to stay at her maternal home. Despite many attempts, Vinayagamoorthy could not convince Vembarasi to return home. On Saturday night, he went with his relatives to speak to her. Arguments arose between the couple. As the quarrel continued, Malliga poured kerosene on Vinayagamoorthy and Vembarasi set him ablaze.

His relatives rushed him to the Mahatma Gandhi memorial government hospital but he succumbed to the burn injuries. Based on his statement to the magistrate, the police arrested Vembarasi and Malliga. The duo has been lodged in Trichy Central Prison.