Probe into woman’s death in car blaze takes a new turn

The police probing the car blaze at Cheruvannur near Perambra that claimed the life of a 27-year-old pregnant woman are planning to record the statement of her husband again based on newly collected CCTV visuals and emerging forensic findings.

Investigators said a detailed examination of CCTV footage from multiple locations confirmed that Sona, wife of Rajin Lal, had purchased a small can of petrol earlier in the day. The footage also showed her carrying the can while returning home late in the evening with her husband after visiting her maternal aunt’s house near Perambra and consulting a gynaecologist on May 15.

Police sources said the latest revelations had added a new dimension to the ongoing probe, which had already been examining several unanswered questions surrounding the incident. Investigators said forensic examination had earlier scientifically confirmed the presence of an inflammable liquid inside the gutted vehicle.

The police said Rajin Lal, who suffered severe burns and is undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, would be questioned again based on newly recovered CCTV visuals, fresh statements from the victim’s relatives, and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

Investigators are examining multiple angles, including allegations by the woman’s relatives that the incident was a “planned murder” and counterclaims suggesting a possible “self-immolation attempt”.

While some of Sona’s relatives, including her uncle, suspected foul play, the husband’s family denied any serious domestic disputes and urged police to examine the possibility of a suicide attempt.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on May 15 when the couple was travelling in a car near Cheruvannur. While Rajin Lal managed to escape from the vehicle with severe burns, Sona remained trapped inside the locked car and was burnt to death.

Preliminary forensic findings had raised suspicion over the circumstances leading to the blaze, with investigators reportedly ruling out any major mechanical or engine failure. Police sources said this prompted the probe team to examine the possibility that an inflammable substance was present inside the car at the time of the incident.

Relatives of the deceased woman had also pointed to reports of a suspected explosion heard by residents before the fire spread through the vehicle. Some family members alleged that there had been differences of opinion between the couple and unresolved disputes linked to an earlier legal dispute in the family.

Sources at the Meppayur station said details of the ongoing investigation could not be revealed at present as clarifications were required on multiple factors.