A 56-year-old man has suffered severe burns as an acquaintance of him allegedly set him on fire following a clash between them at Kadavanthra in Kochi on Monday (November 17, 2025).Joseph, 56, of Karakkode near Piravom, was attacked by Antappan, 51, of Palluruthy, both street dwellers, around 12.50 am, when a fight broke out between them over some money, the police said.The Kadavanthra police on Monday arrested Mr. Antappan near Kadavanthra based on Mr. Joseph’s statement. Both have been staying under a Kochi metro pillar on S.A. Road, Kadavanthra, for some time.According to the first information report, Mr. Antappan allegedly took some money from Joseph’s pocket, and the scuffle occurred when Joseph asked him to return it. Provoked, Mr. Antappan reportedly poured petrol on him and set him on fire, causing 45% burns to Mr. Joseph. Joseph is undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Government Medical College here, the police said. He was brought to the hospital by the police, who had reached the scene after receiving an alert.The police said Mr. Antappan had worked as a cleaner in some hostels in the city and had stored petrol in a can to eliminate bedbugs.The police have charged Mr. Antappan under Section 118(2) (causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) and Section 109 (attempt to commit murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.Published - November 17, 2025 06:18 pm IST