Man held for trying to set ablaze security guard, son

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Medical College police has arrested a man for trying to set ablaze the security guard of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College men's hostel and his 13-year-old son, who has learning difficulties, with petrol. However, they escaped with minor injuries.

The arrested has been identified as Shajahan alias Puli Shaji, 50, a Kesavadasapuram native.

There are accused is also involved in several criminal cases, including attempted murder and theft.

According to the security guard Ashok Kumar, 58, a Thirunelveli native, he went to have tea on Friday night at a nearby hotel. "When I reached the hotel, the accused was engaged in a row with an Ernakulam-based family that had reached the hospital. Later, the accused left the place and came back with a wooden log to attack the family. However, the family had already left. He then asked me which direction they went. When I claimed ignorance, he got annoyed and started abusing me," said Ashok Kumar.

On Saturday night the accused trespassed into the hostel carrying a bottle of petrol. "The accused had worked here as a cleaning staff a few years ago and knew the room in which my son and I slept. Through the open window, he poured petrol on us and tried to set us ablaze. My son has mental disability, and I rescued him by pulling him into the other corner. Using a can of water kept in the room, I managed to extinguish the fire near the door, and we escaped from there," he added.

Police said the accused was under the influence of alcohol. He was remanded after being produced before a court.