Husband of woman who died in car fire in Kozhikode succumbs to burns

Rajin Lal, husband of a 27-year-old pregnant woman who died in a car fire at Cheruvannur near Perambra in Kozhikode recently, succumbed to his burns at the Government Medical College Hospital on Saturday (May 24).

He suffered severe burns in the incident, which took place on May 15 around 9pm while the pair were traveling in a car. Although Rajin Lal managed to escape from the vehicle with severe burns, Sona, his wife, remained trapped in the locked car and was burnt to death.

Preliminary forensic findings cast doubt on the circumstances that led to the fire, as investigators reportedly ruled out any major mechanical or engine failure. This prompted the probe team to investigate the possibility of a flammable substance inside the car.

Relatives of the deceased woman also reported a suspicious explosion heard by residents before the fire spread through the vehicle. Meanwhile, some family members claimed that there were differences of opinion and unresolved disputes between the couple related to an earlier legal dispute in the family.

Investigators said a close examination of CCTV footage from multiple locations confirmed that Sona had bought a small can of petrol earlier in the day. The footage also showed her carrying the can as she returned home with her husband late at night after visiting her maternal aunt’s house near Perambra and consulting a gynecologist on May 15. The police recently recorded the statement of Rajin Lal.

Investigators are looking into various angles, including allegations by the woman’s relatives that the incident was a “premeditated murder” and counter-claims suggesting a possible “attempted self-immolation”.

Published – 23 May 2026 20:27 IST