Beggar charred to death in Kollam after shed catches fire

KOLLAM: A beggar was charred to death when a shed in a parking ground caught fire. The incident took place near the Kottarakkara Ganapati Temple. The dead has been identified as Sukumara Pillai, a native of Vakkanad. Pillai, who earned his living by begging in the temple premises, used to regularly rest in the shed.

The incident took place at around 10 pm on Friday. The fire was spotted by a passersby, walking past the road. Following which, the locals tried to douse the fire, but the old man could not be saved. The body was found completely burnt. According to preliminary conclusion, the fire could have spread from a kerosene lamp. The police and fire brigade have arrived at the spot.