Thanjavur: A functionary of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) was arrested in Thanjavur today for illegally detaining a 25-year-old youth and causing him burns on his body with cigarette butts, suspecting illicit affair between his wife and the young man.

The 37-year-old Arivudainambi, residing at Sundaram Nagar, is the VCK’s Thanjavur assembly constituency in-charge. His wife Devika (31) lodged a complaint with the All Women Police Station in Thanjavur on August 2, alleging that her husband was sexually harassing her. Based on her complaint, the police spoke to the couple and sent them away after giving counselling to them.

Devika meanwhile reportedly ran away a few days later and her whereabouts remain unknown. Suspecting that she had eloped with Kaliyaperumal (25), residing at Mettu Ellaiamman Koil Street in Keezhavaasal, Arivudainambi, along with his brother Palani and friend Karthi, abducted the man and illegally detained him in a room for three–four days, and tortured him by repeatedly assaulting and branding his body with cigarette butts.

Kaliyaperumal, who sustained wounds all over his body caused by cigarette burns, was admitted to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital today. Based on his complaint, the Thanjvur East police registered a case and arrested VCK functionary Arivudainambi. Further investigations are on.