COIMBATORE: In an appalling tragedy, a 42-year-old laborer working in a hotel was set on fire on Wednesday in Coimbatore following a dispute over money. According to police, Kannan 42, was working as a ‘parotta maker’ in a roadside eatery near Udayampalayam Sabari Nagar in Coimbatore. He had borrowed money from his relative, one Prabu 26, a native of Madurai.
On Wednesday evening Prabu came to Kannan’s work place and demanded that Kannan return his money. But Kannan was busy with his work and did not respond.
An angry Prabu then poured petrol he had brought in a can on him and set fire to Kannan. Within seconds, Kannan’s body caught fire and Prabu fled the spot. Kannan suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) for treatment where he died on Thursday. Saravanampatti police lodged a complaint and launched a search for Prabu who is on the run.
