Thanjavur: A farmer in Thiruvonam taluk was arrested for pouring hot fish broth on his mother-in-law as she reportedly refused to give him Rs. 10,000.

According to police, Sathyamurthy, 40, of Sivaviduthy village was a habitual drunkard. This led to frequent quarrels between him and his wife Jothi.

A similar quarrel broke out between them a few weeks ago when Jothi’s mother Periyanayaki paid a visit to their house. Sathyamurthy, who was under the influence of alcohol, reportedly demanded Rs 10,000 from Periyanayaki, which she refused. This led to a quarrel between Sathyamurthy and Periyanayaki.

An enraged Sathyamurthy poured hot fish broth on his mother-in-law. Periyanayaki who sustained severe burns was admitted to government hospital in Pattukottai. Sathyamurthy went absconding.

Based on a complaint by Periyanayaki, Thiruvonam police registered a case and arrested Sathyamurthy on Thursday. He was produced in the court and remanded to judicial custody.