A couple and their daughter were found charred to death inside their home in Varkala, Kerala. The deceased have been recognized as Sreekumar (58), wife Mini (58) and daughter Ananthalakshmi (26).

The incident came to light after neighbours found fire in the first floor of the house at 3 am and immediately informed the fire force. Though the firefighters reached the spot on time and doused the fire, the family was found dead. While the charred bodies of Mini and Ananthalekshmi were found lying in the bedroom. The body of Sreekumar was found lying in the bathroom partially burnt.

Sreekumar was a contractor at the defence for the past 20 years. His daugher Ananthalekshmi was a research student. The neighbours said that the family had some financial liabilities and it is reported that Sreekumar committed suicide after setting his wife and daughter ablaze in their sleep. The police have started a probe.