Elderly couple die of burns in Pathanamthitta; gas cylinder found opened

PATHANAMTHITTA: An elderly couple was found burnt to death at Mallapally in Pathanamthitta. The two have been identified as C T Varghese (78) and his wife Annamma Varghese (73) of Kocharappu. The initial conclusion is that they may have died after the cooking cylinder caught fire. The incident happened Thursday morning.

The gas cylinder was found opened. Only the elderly couple was staying in the house. The body of Annamma was found inside the house and that of Varghese in the bathroom outside.

It is suspected to be suicide as the gas cylinder was found opened. However, locals said the couple had no financial liabilities. The items inside the house and windows have been damaged. The Keezhvaipur police reached the spot and started the inquest proceedings.

After the inquest proceedings, the bodies will be taken to the hospital for post-mortem. Forensic experts have also reached the spot. Meantime, the police informed that an investigation has started and no further information is obtained.

Varghese' brother lives near their house. When his brother came in search of them as they were not seen outside, found the bodies of the two. Reports said the couple has three children. Their son is abroad and two daughters are with their husbands.