Office fire was murder, not accident; Colleague arrested

 

By Sagaya Fernando | January 21, 2026

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA: What was initially believed to be an accidental fire at a Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) office in Madurai has now been confirmed as a case of murder, Tamil Nadu Police said, arresting a colleague of the victim for allegedly setting her ablaze.

The victim, A. Kalyani Nambi (56), a senior officer at the LIC office on West Perumal Maistry Street, was charred to death in the fire on December 17, 2025. Her colleague, D. Ram (46), an Assistant Administrative Officer, has been arrested for allegedly murdering her following a workplace dispute.

Murder Uncovered

The fire was initially suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit. However, suspicions arose after Kalyani’s son approached the police, stating that his mother had called him minutes before the incident, sounding distressed and urging him to alert the authorities.

Investigators also found that Kalyani’s cabin—normally kept open during office hours—was locked with a chain, raising doubts about the accident theory. Ram, who had sustained minor burn injuries, gave contradictory statements during questioning, prompting a deeper probe.

Motive and Plot

According to police, Kalyani Nambi had recently flagged alleged irregularities in the settlement of insurance death claims and had reprimanded Ram for failing to clear over 40 pending claims despite repeated instructions. She had reportedly warned that she would recommend disciplinary action against him.

Police said Ram planned to destroy the claim files to conceal the irregularities. On the night of the incident, when all other staff had left, Ram allegedly poured petrol inside Kalyani’s chamber and set the files on fire. As she became trapped inside the locked room, she was engulfed by flames and died on the spot.

Ram himself suffered burn injuries after petrol accidentally spilled on him while igniting the fire.

Fabricated Story Raises Suspicion

Further suspicion arose when Ram allegedly attempted to mislead investigators by claiming that a masked man had entered the office, robbed Kalyani of her jewellery, and set her on fire. The story did not withstand scrutiny.

Police later collected scientific and forensic evidence establishing premeditation and motive.

Arrest

Ram, who was recuperating from burn injuries, was arrested at his residence on January 19, 2026, and was admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital under police custody.

“The warning that disciplinary action would be recommended appears to be the motive. The case has been thoroughly investigated,” a senior police officer said.

Shockwaves in LIC

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the LIC establishment and raised serious concerns over workplace safety and the protection of whistleblowers. LIC officials have not issued an official statement so far