PANRUTI: A 70-year-old cashew farmer was set on fire by unidentified persons after they waylaid him while he was travelling on a motorcycle near Panruti in Cuddalore district on Thursday.

He sustained severe burn injuries and is undergoing treatment at a government hospital.

The victim, Rajendran, a resident of Maligampattu village near Panruti, was travelling on a motorcycle with another person from Maligampattu towards Panruti.

When they were on the Kadampuliyur road, a group of unidentified men arrived in a car and attempted to attack them after stopping the two-wheeler, police said.

While the person riding the motorcycle managed to escape by running into a nearby cashew grove, Rajendran was doused with petrol and set on fire. Despite sustaining severe burns, he reportedly ran on the road before collapsing, causing shock among onlookers.

He was first admitted to the Panruti government hospital and later referred to the Cuddalore government hospital for further treatment.

Police said some bystanders recorded videos of the incident instead of attempting to rescue the victim.

Kadampuliyur police have registered a case and are investigating to identify the attackers and ascertain the motive behind the attempted murder. Further inquiry is under way.