Chennai: Tamil Nadu Police have ruled that the death of a senior woman official in a December fire at an LIC office in Madurai was a deliberate murder, not the accident first suspected. Authorities arrested her male colleague, charging him with dousing her with petrol and igniting the flames to cover up his alleged wrongdoing.
The victim, 54-year-old Kalyani Nambi, a senior branch manager recently transferred to the Madurai office from Tirunelveli, was charred to death in the blaze at the LIC branch on West Perumal Maistry Street. The incident occurred in December, with the fire originally attributed to a possible short circuit in an air-conditioner.
Police took T Ram, an Assistant Administrative Officer at the same office, into custody after evidence pointed to foul play. Investigators allege that Ram poured petrol into Kalyani Nambi’s cabin and set it on fire, reportedly to prevent her from pursuing action against him.
According to police sources , Kalyani Nambi had uncovered irregularities in the settlement of insurance claims and had warned of recommending disciplinary measures against Ram. This exposure appears to have provided the motive, with officers stating they are continuing to probe the matter.
Suspicion arose after the victim’s son contacted police, claiming his mother had called him shortly before the fire in a distressed state, urging him to inform authorities immediately. Further doubts emerged when officers discovered that her cabin—typically left open during working hours—had been locked from the outside with a chain. Ram himself suffered minor burns, which he initially described as accidental.
During interrogation, Ram reportedly provided inconsistent statements, strengthening the case against him and prompting a more thorough investigation.
The arrest has rattled the LIC organization and prompted concerns over workplace safety and safeguards for those highlighting misconduct. LIC has not issued any public comment on the developments so far.
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