KOCHI: A Kochi native tried to set a man on fire for questioning him about stealing Rs 750 from his pocket. Antony (Antappan 52) was arrested by the Kadavanthra police for attempted murder. Piravom native Joseph Mathai (56), who suffered 45 percent burns, is undergoing treatment at Kalamassery Medical College. The incident took place at around 1 am on Sunday night near Kadavanthra junction.

Antony and Joseph have been working as scrap collectors and wage labourers in Kochi city for years. Joseph had questioned Antony about stealing money from his pocket on Saturday. Antony arrived with vengeance in mind the next day and poured petrol on Joseph's back while he was sleeping. Antony set Joseph on fire when he was trying to get up, thinking that water had fallen on his body. Joseph extinguish

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