Thane, Dec 8 (IANS): In a bizarre case, a farmer who was opposed to his daughter's relationship was set on fire by the family of her lover, police said here Thursday. Three people have been arrested in the case.

Narayan Rama Hindola, 45, a tribal farmer of Khondechi Wadi, around 65 km from here, has been admitted to hospital with over 90 percent burns.

His condition has been described by doctors as "very critical", according to local police Officer S.B. Jhundre.

Jhundre said that on Wednesday, Hindola went to the home of Waman Serai, a contract labourer working with the state forest department, to inquire the whereabouts of his daughter, who had been missing for nearly a month.

"In a fit of anger, Serai and his two sons Gajanan and Hari, grabbed Hindola, poured kerosene over him and set him on fire outside their house," Jhundre told IANS.

He said that over a month ago, Hindola's 18-year-old daughter had been reported missing but was later found by the family.

Again, a few weeks ago, she was reported missing and a complaint was registered with the Murbad police station.

Later, Hindola learnt that his daughter was living with Hari Serai, 20, one of Waman's sons.

Police have arrested Waman Serai and his two sons and charged them with attempt to murder and conspiracy to kill.