Two women, who were fast asleep in their dwelling, suffered burns after miscreants poured kerosene and set them afire on Saturday. here.

Two children, who were also in the house, escaped, while the two women were rushed to Virudhunagar Government Medical College and Hospital, where they were battling for their lives, doctors said.

Preliminary inquiry revealed that Shanti, 40, of Palayampatti near Aruppukottai lived in the house with her two children. Her husband Pandiarajan was dead. She was a conservancy worker in Gopalapuram. Her 16-year-old son was studying in a polytechnic college and daughter was a class 7 student.

It is said that Sridevi, 45, a relative of Shanti, who was working as a nurse, had come to Shanti’s house and staying there overnight. When all four were asleep, it is said that they had not closed the door fully. The miscreants could have gained entry around 3 a.m. and set fire to the two women and escaped under the cover of darkness.

Virudhunagar Superintendent of Police Srinatha visited the scene of crime. Investigations were under way as to whether it was a planned case of attempt to murder due to previous enmity. Aruppukottai Town Station Inspector Gangai Natha Pandian is investigating.