T’puram: The death toll in the Vembayam bar arson case rose to four on Friday after a third burn victim succumbed to his injuries at the govt medical college hospital.The deceased was identified as Noufal, 31, of Thekkada. He had suffered more than 50% burns in the attack. Doctors said he died due to severe infection and complications arising from the burns.According to hospital sources, Noufal had jumped into the temple pond at Pirappancode after running out of the bar with burn injuries. Doctors suspect the contaminated water may have contributed to the infection. They also said the extensive burns had severely damaged and contracted his veins, making it extremely difficult to administer medicines intravenously.Noufal is the third person to die from burn injuries in the incident. Navas, of Cheeranikkara and Aneesh, 32, of Nattukavu, who allegedly set the victims ablaze, had earlier succumbed to their injuries on July 20 and July 22 respectively. Another member of the group, Ratheesh, 34, of Thekkada, died by suicide shortly after the incident, taking the total number of deaths linked to the case to four.The incident occurred at the Vembayam Hotel and Residency bar at Vembayam junction. Police said Navas, Noufal, Arun and Ratheesh were consuming liquor in the air-conditioned hall when Aneesh, an acquaintance, joined them. A verbal argument later escalated into a scuffle.Investigators said Aneesh left the bar but returned about 30 minutes later carrying a can of petrol. During a struggle, he allegedly poured petrol over the group and ignited it using a lighter. The flames also engulfed Aneesh.Arun, who sustained burn injuries, continues to undergo treatment at Nedumangad district hospital. Riyaz, a Vembayam resident seated at a nearby table, also suffered injuries in the fire and is recovering after treatment.
