Suspiciousness shrouds the death of a pregnant woman in a car fire in Kozhikode

The car involved in the May 15 fire at Cheruvannur in Kozhikode that claimed the life of a pregnant woman. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Preliminary forensic findings in the car fire that claimed the life of a 27-year-old pregnant woman at Cheruvannur near Perambra in Kozhikode district on May 15 have raised suspicions about the circumstances that led to the fire, with investigators reportedly ruling out major mechanical faults in the vehicle.

A close relative of Sonya Rijin Lal, the deceased woman, on Sunday sought a comprehensive probe into the incident and claimed that there was something “mysterious” behind the fire at the back of the vehicle, with a suspected explosion heard by local residents.

The complainant also revealed to investigators that there were differences of opinion between the couple and some unresolved family issues related to the case.

On May 15 around 9 pm, a woman hailing from Kakkaramukku was burnt in her car near Perambra. Although her husband Rijin Lal managed to escape with severe burns, she remained trapped in the vehicle and could not open the locked door.

According to police sources, the incident took place when the couple was returning home after consulting a gynecologist.

Police sources said several questions, including those raised by the woman’s family members regarding the incident, remained unanswered and that the fire appeared to have taken place under suspicious circumstances. They said a detailed investigation was underway, with forensic support, into statements made by some paramedics and family members related to the suspected car explosion.

No engine failure

According to the senior police officer, the preliminary inspections carried out in the vehicle with the support of experts have already ruled out a major engine failure or mechanical fault. The results of the scientific observation prompted investigators to look into the possibility of any explosive or flammable substance inside the car at the time of the incident, he said.

The couple entered into a registered marriage after being in a relationship for several years. According to some relatives of the deceased who gave statements to the police, there was some legal wrangling earlier as Rijin Lal allegedly tried to back out of the marriage proposal. Even after marriage, her husband, who was abroad for a few years, did not care for her, they claimed.

Meanwhile, police sources from Meppayur station said that all aspects of the case, including forensic evidence, witness statements and family allegations, will be examined in detail as part of the ongoing investigation. They said the statement of the husband, who is now in intensive care at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, will also be recorded soon so that the investigation can continue.

Published – 17 May 2026 18:06 IST