An Indian-origin couple and their teenage daughter tragically perished in a “suspicious” fire that ravaged their home last week in Ontario, Canada, as confirmed by police on Friday. The devastating blaze consumed a house located at the intersection of Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive in Brampton on March 7, as outlined in a press release by the Peel Police.
Authorities later identified the charred remains as those of Rajiv Warikoo (51), Shilpa Kotha (47), and their 16-year-old daughter, Mahek Warikoo, who had been residing at the address prior to the fire outbreak. Peel police Constable Taryn Young emphasized the suspicious nature of the fire, as reported by CTV news.
The investigation, now under the purview of the homicide bureau, is treating the incident with utmost seriousness, given the determination by the Ontario Fire Marshal that the fire was not accidental. Kenneth Yousaf, a neighbour of the deceased family, shared that they had been part of the community for approximately 15 years, and he had never encountered any issues with them.
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He recalled being alerted to the fire by a loud noise, describing the scene as deeply sorrowful as the house was reduced to rubble within hours. As the investigation into the tragic deaths of the family members continues, authorities urge anyone with relevant information or video footage to step forward and assist the ongoing probe.
The circumstances surrounding the house fire remain the primary focus of the active investigation, and cooperation from the public is crucial in uncovering the truth behind this heartbreaking incident. The loss of the Indian-origin family has sent shockwaves through the Brampton community, with residents mourning the untimely demise of their neighbours.