Police in southern Italy have arrested three men suspected of beating and setting fire to a rival as part of a local feud in the Calabrian town of Filadelfia. Investigators said the prime suspect, Santino Accetta, 34, had a conviction for drug dealing and was linked to the 'Ndrangheta, the Calabrian version of the Mafia notorious for its ferocity.The victim, Cristian Galati, 24, was found in a field by a farmer on New Year's Day. He had allegedly been picked up by the three suspects in Filadelfia the previous night and driven out into the countryside, where he was severely beaten, tied up and then set alight. Italian television news yesterday showed pictures of bloodstains and charred clothes.Investigators said Mr Accetta organised the beating because he suspected Mr Galati of setting fire to his car, a Volkswagen Golf, some months ago. Mr Galati is said to have been tricked into confessing while chatting on the internet. Police said two of the three suspects had admitted responsibility for the attack, which has left Mr Galati in a critical condition.Mr Galati's brother, Valentino, 19, . There have been six cases involving men under 29 in the Filadelfia area over the past 10 years, and there had been speculation that Mr Galati may have been attacked to discourage him from investigating his brother's disappearance.Antonio Sisca, an Italian journalist who has written about the disappearances for the local Gazzetta del Sud, said he did not believe that was the case. "He was a soft-hearted lad. I don't think he would have had the ability or the character to investigate that murder," Sisca said in a telephone interview. He said the motive for the attack was more likely to be connected to local rivalries.