A person with disability suffered a horrifying death on Sunday in Thiruvarur district in Tamil Nadu, when he was burnt alive by two men following an argument.

Sheikh Alavudeen, a 54-year-old man, was paralysed in his left hand and leg. According to the Thiruvarur town police Alavudeen was sleeping outside his house on Sunday, when he was awoken by the noise made by two men who were consuming liquor outside a nearby marriage hall. Alavudeen told them not to drink in public, and this led to an argument.

As the argument grew heated, the two men beat Alavudeen. A few young men in the area then intervened and beat the two men in return. Soon, other residents of the area broke up the fight and settled matters between both sides.

However, a few minutes later, the two men returned with bottles of petrol, doused Alavudeen and set him on fire. Residents who rushed to the spot, on hearing Alavudeen’s screams, rushed him to Thiruvarur government hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries, the police said.

The Thiruvarur town police have arrested two men – identified as Murugan (37) and Ulaganathan (37). Police said that the duo had committed the crime under the influence of liquor.

The two men have been under Sections 294 (b) (singing or reciting obscene words in a public place) and 302 (Punishment for murder) of the IPC.

Alavudeen had separated from his wife about eight years ago. He was working as a shopkeeper earlier, but had quit his job as he was unwell. He was surviving on food and support provided by some neighbours and relatives.