Debt prompts man to commit suicide after killing family

MADURAI: Heavy debt prompted a man to commit suicide after allegedly killing his wife and two-year-old baby by setting them ablaze, police said on Sunday.

Police said Ravi (35) poured kerosene on his wife Santhanalakshmi (30) and his children Sevukamurthy (7), Arthy (4) and Arulmozhi (2) before setting them afire at his residence near Tirupattur in Sivaganga district on Saturday.

Ravi, who was heavily in debt, later immolated himself. Arulmozhi died on the spot, while Santhanalakshmi andRavi died at a hospital.

The couple's two other children are being treated for serious burn injuries, police said.