Days after 26-year-old Antony Robin died in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi, her wife’s claim that he had taken his own life crumbled as police recovered CCTV footage allegedly showing the woman setting Robin on fire outside their home. Hence, turning the suicide case into a murder investigation. The police have now begun questioning Robin’s Wife to uncover the case. Antony, a resident of Mamandal Road, worked for a gas company in the Chinnathirupathi area of Salem. The incident, as per a report by The Times of India, occurred in the early hours of Sunday (March 8) when he was at home for the weekend.
According to police, Antony was seen running out of his house screaming while engulfed in flames. His wife, Ammu, initially told neighbours that he had poured petrol on himself in a drunken state and attempted suicide. Locals rushed him to the Kallakurichi Government Hospital, from where he was referred to Salem for advanced treatment. However, he died due to the severity of his burn injuries with nearly 90 per cent of his body getting burned in the incident.
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The Turning Point – CCTV
The investigation took a dramatic turn when police reviewed CCTV footage from the area. The video reportedly showed Antony stepping out of the house after realising petrol had been poured on him and attempting to wipe it off. Ammu was then seen following him outside and allegedly lighting a match or lighter, setting him on fire before retreating.
Police said she later staged the incident as a suicide, claiming her husband had taken the extreme step while intoxicated.
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Reason – An Affair
Antony and Ammu had been married for several years and have three children — two sons and a daughter. Preliminary police investigation as per TOI report suggested that the motive may be linked to a domestic dispute involving an alleged extramarital affair. Antony had reportedly discovered that Ammu was in a relationship with her sister’s husband and had repeatedly asked her to end it, which often led to arguments between them.
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Investigators believe that on Saturday night, taking advantage of Antony’s intoxicated condition, Ammu allegedly poured petrol on him inside the house. When he ran outside to clean himself, she set him on fire.
Police in Kallakurichi have registered a case and are currently questioning the accused based on the digital evidence recovered. Superintendent of Police S. Aravind said a detailed investigation is underway and further evidence is being collected.
