Fri Jan 17 19:18:20 UTC 2025: ## Two Youths Set Ablaze in Ranipet District, Sparking Outrage

**CHENNAI, January 18, 2025** – Two young men were severely burned after allegedly being set on fire by a 25-year-old man in Nemili, Ranipet district, on Thursday. Surya (alias Tamizharasan), 22, and Vijay Ganapathy, 25, sustained 60% and 25% burns respectively, following a quarrel with Prem Kumar, who has been arrested.

The incident stemmed from a dispute on Wednesday involving speeding. The following day, a renewed confrontation escalated when Kumar allegedly snatched a petrol bottle from the victims, some of which splashed onto them before he ignited it with a cigarette. Police have ruled out pre-existing enmity or caste-related motives.

Following the attack, villagers protested, demanding swift action. Kumar has been charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempted murder.

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, visiting one of the victims in the hospital (who is affiliated with his party), alleged that the incident was linked to the VCK party and attributed the violence to drug addiction among youth. He warned of potential further unrest if such incidents continue, stressing the limits of the PMK’s patience while in alliance with the ruling DMK.

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