In a twist to the investigation into the June 16 fire near Sriperumbudur that claimed the life of a 35-year-old man, the police have concluded that the blaze was caused by petrol bombs hurled at the residence of an AIADMK functionary and businessman, overturning the initial suspicion of an electrical short circuit.

In the incident, one person died and six others were injured after rushing to douse the flames. Investigators have since determined that the fire was a premeditated attack stemming from a business rivalry.

Police sources said Murugan, the AIADMK functionary, lived on the ground floor of his house in Thathanur near Sriperumbudur. Late on June 16, a loud explosion was heard, following which his motorcycle that was parked outside the house caught fire. The flames quickly spread around the house, prompting Murugan and his family to escape through the rear entrance.

Before personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services arrived, Murugan’s friends attempted to extinguish the fire by pouring water on it. During the effort, seven persons sustained burns. One of them, Chiranjeevi, 26, later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. The Oragadam police registered a case and launched an investigation.

The investigation revealed that Murugan ran a business renting out earthmovers and had a financial dispute with Chalapathi, 35, over the non-payment of a loan.

The police said Chalapathi, allegedly enraged by the dispute, hurled petrol bombs at Murugan’s motorcycle on the night of the incident and then fled the scene. He was later tracked down and arrested while in hiding.