Death of woman, daughters by setting ablaze; property dispute suspected to be cause of death 

KOLLAM: More information surface in the incident in connection with the death of a woman and daughters by setting themselves on fire in Karunagappally. The dead were Thara G Krishna (36), daughters T Anamika (7) and T Athmika (one-and-a- half years old). Thara committed suicide after setting her children on fire. The three who sustained serious burns were admitted to Vandanam Medical College but their lives could not be saved.

It is believed that a property dispute with her husband's family prompted Thara to take the drastic step. Police said Thara and her husband's family had a fight yesterday over the share of property. Thara, who had threatened to commit suicide, was calmed down by the police. However, Thara, who returned to her rented house, attempted suicide along with her children.

The suicide attempt was at 3.30 pm yesterday at her rented house in Adhinad Kochumamood Junction. Thara and her family had been living here for one and a half years. Gopalakrishnan, her father, who was staying with her had gone to a nearby shop for tea when Thara and her two children attempted suicide by pouring kerosene. Hearing a commotion, the locals broke opened the door of the room and brought the three out. They were immediately taken to the hospital, but Thara and her children were confirmed dead by then. The incident happened when Thara's husband Girish was scheduled to return home from Kuwait tomorrow. The body will be handed over to her relatives after the postmortem today.