Ranni: He fits the stereotype of a drug addict and is revengeful to the core. If he has been wronged by someone, he would take revenge on that person by setting his/her properties ablaze.

Ajeesh Jose alias Sunu, 24, who was arrested on charges of trespassing and damaging one of the shutters of the Perumthenaruvi hydroelectric dam, has several cases of vandalism pending against him. The accused, who let the water out by raising the shutter using the remote switch inside the centre, had also torched the boat owned by Roy of Pathakkal House, who lives in the vicinity of the reservoir.

The incident took place around 10 pm on March 12.

A case was registered against him for trespassing and damaging public property by the Perinad police. He was also booked by the Vechoochira police for allegedly setting the boat on fire.

Ajeesh, a resident of Idathikkavu near Vechoochira, was arrested following an investigation carried out by the shadow police team under the Pathanamthitta district police chief. During interrogation, he confessed to have committed the crime, said district superintendent of police G Jaidev.

The acts of vengeance by Ajeesh were under the influence of narcotics. A few years ago, he had been arrested for setting fire to his neighbour's house, the official said.