T’puram: The accused in the Vembayam bar brawl case, who allegedly set a group of fellow drinkers ablaze following a quarrel, succumbed to his burn injuries at the Govt Medical College Hospital on Wednesday, taking the death toll in the incident to two.The deceased, Aneesh (32) of Pothencode, had sustained over 80% burns in the incident and was on ventilator support since Sunday night. He died around noon on Wednesday, police said. The body has been shifted to the mortuary for autopsy.The attack had earlier claimed the life of Navas (35), of Cheeranikara, who died of more than 80% burn injuries on Monday. Police said further legal provisions would be incorporated into the case following Aneesh’s death.The incident occurred around 9.30pm on Sunday inside the air-conditioned section of Vembayam Hotel and Residency bar near Vembayam Junction. According to police, Navas, Noufal, Arun and Shyam were drinking when Aneesh, who was known to them, joined the group. After consuming liquor together, a heated argument broke out and escalated into a physical altercation. During the scuffle, Navas allegedly slapped Aneesh.Police said Aneesh left the bar but returned about 30 minutes later carrying a can of petrol. A struggle reportedly ensued before he allegedly poured petrol on the group and set them on fire using a lighter. Police said petrol also spilled onto Aneesh’s body, causing him to sustain fatal burn injuries.Police have found that Aneesh, a tipper truck driver, allegedly purchased the petrol from a fuel station at Kanyakulangara using a can that he usually kept in his vehicle. Police said he allegedly told fuel station employees that his vehicle had broken down and required petrol. The company he worked for was a regular customer at the outlet, sources said.Besides the two deceased, Noufal, Arun, Shyam and Riyas, who was sitting on another table sustained burn injuries. Noufal, who suffered around 60% burns, remains admitted to the intensive care unit of MCH, while Arun is undergoing treatment at a private hospital.Police said statements of the injured are yet to be recorded as they continue to undergo treatment. CCTV footage, witness accounts and other evidence are being examined.
