Overview
- Rajendran, reported to be in his late 60s to 70, suffered severe burns after attackers intercepted a two-wheeler near Pudhu Pillaiyarkuppam on January 29 and set him on fire.
- CCTV review led investigators to seize the vehicle used and arrest the van driver Parthiban, with subsequent arrests of Manikandan, Kubendiran and Jayapriya.
- Doctors assessed roughly 70% burns, and the victim was moved from Panruti to Cuddalore and then to Kilpauk Medical College Hospital in Chennai for advanced care.
- Kadampuliyur police registered a case and formed multiple special teams, stating the inquiry points to a personal rivalry connected to the victim’s family.
- AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the state’s law-and-order situation and urged a transparent investigation and high-quality treatment for the victim.