Murder masked as suicide? Woman burns husband alive; CCTV footage exposes truth

KALLAKURICHI: A case of murder disguised as suicide has come to light in Kallakurichi after CCTV footage revealed a woman setting her husband on fire. The victim, who suffered 90% burns, succumbed to his injuries in Salem govt hospital.

The victim, identified as Antony Robin, 26, a resident of Mamandal Road, worked in a gas company in the Chinnathirupathi area of Salem. Antony was at home during the weekend. He was seen screaming and running out of his house engulfed in flames in the early hours of Sunday.

Initially, his wife, Ammu, claimed that Antony had doused himself with petrol in a drunken state to end life. Neighbours rushed him to the Kallakurichi govt hospital, from where he was shifted to Salem hospital for advanced treatment. Despite medical attention, he succumbed to the injuries.

The investigation took a dramatic turn when police recovered CCTV footage from the vicinity. The video clearly contradicted Ammu's statement. The video shows Antony stepping out of the house, realizing that he has petrol on his body and attempting to wipe it off. Ammu was seen following him out and deliberately flicking a lighter or match to set him ablaze before retreating. After the act, she allegedly staged a "drama," claiming her husband took his own life due to intoxication.

Antony and Ammu had been married for several years. They have three children, two sons and a daughter. According to preliminary police inquiries, the motive appears to be a domestic dispute linked to an extramarital affair. Antony had reportedly discovered that Ammu was in a relationship with her sister's husband. He had repeatedly warned her to end the affair, leading to frequent quarrels between the couple.

On Saturday night, taking advantage of Antony's intoxicated state, Ammu allegedly poured petrol on him while he was indoors. When he ran outside to clean himself, she set him on fire, according to police. The Kallakurichi police have registered a case and are currently interrogating Ammu based on the incriminating digital evidence.

Kallakurichi SP S Aravind said police had launched a detailed investigation and were collecting evidence.