Jalaun (Uttar Pradesh), March 12 (IANS) All he wanted was some rest after a hard day's work in the field, so he took to a secluded corner without informing his employee. Now the 15-year-old is battling for life after being brutally assaulted and set afire on the suspicion of stealing peas.

Deepu (name changed), a lad of 15 of Chani village, was working in the pea fields owned by Pradeep Kumar in nearby Dhaguakala village, some 250 km from Lucknow.

Eyewitnesses told the police that after Deepu got tired of working, he wanted to take some rest and started walking towards a secluded corner of the field without informing Kumar.

Noticing Deepu's movements, Kumar suspected he stole peas and, therefore, was leaving the field.

After assaulting Deepu with sticks, Kumar, along with his aides, set him afire. Deepu was rushed to a primary health centre by other labourers who were present on the field while the attackers ran way.

"After the condition of the teenager deteriorated, he was admitted to the district hospital, where his condition is stated to be serious," police inspector Alok Singh said.