Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram man who allegedly struck his son with a metal rod, leaving him critically injured, claimed he acted in self-defence, according to police. The accused, identified as Vinayanand (60), reportedly hit his 28-year-old son Hridhik on the head following a heated argument over a demand for money to buy a luxury vehicle.

“The son demanded about ₹50 lakh that day to buy a luxury vehicle. When his parents refused, he began fighting with them,” said Vanchiyoor police. “According to the father, after the fight escalated, the son beat him and started choking him. In a moment of self-defence, Vinayanand attacked Hridhik with the first object he could reach,” the police added.

The incident took place around 12.30 pm on Thursday at their home in Thoppil Lane. After the assault, Vinayanand and his wife took Hridhik to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, following which the father fled the scene. He later surrendered before the police after spending time at a relative’s house.

Hridhik had allegedly demanded the money from his father, who owns a café in the city, to buy two luxury bikes. He sustained severe head injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. “The son, who was reportedly obsessed with bikes, used to constantly demand money to buy new ones. Although there were no previous complaints, neighbours said they often heard arguments from the house at night. He was also undergoing treatment for mental health issues,” said a Vanchiyoor police officer.

Hridhik, who is pursuing an online MBA and lives with his parents, was reportedly gifted a ₹12 lakh bike in June. “We are all shocked. Only Hridhik and his father know exactly what happened,” said Ahish, a close friend of Hridhik for six years.

However, Ahish questioned claims that the argument was over a car. “It is true that he liked bikes, but not obsessively. He never mentioned wanting another bike. Media reports say he demanded a car, but he doesn’t even have a driving licence. Why would he want one when he can’t drive?” he said.

“His mother told me she wasn’t at home during the incident as she was away taking care of her mother, a cancer patient,” he added. However, Vanchiyoor police said the mother was present and, along with Vinayanand, took Hridhik to the hospital.

Vinayanand has been booked under Sections 318(1), 318(2) and 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).