Burned bodies of four of a family from Chennai found in charred car near Nellai

TIRUNELVELI: Four charred bodies, reduced to skeletal remains, were found in a burnt car in a deserted area at Thisayanvilai in Tirunelveli district on Tuesday. Police identified the four as members of a family from Chennai, with prima facie evidence pointing to suicide. However, they are yet to piece together how the incident happened, and are probing various angles.

The deceased were identified as Mohamed Rafik, 45, wife Syed Nasrin Fatima, 36, their 15-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. According to police, on Tuesday morning, they were informed by people about a car found charred at a deserted area on Thisayanvilai - Uvari road. They rushed to the scene and found the four charred bodies inside, with mostly skeletal remains. Forensic experts examined the car and took samples for DNA analysis. Thisayanvilai police registered a case and started an investigation.

A senior official told TOI that investigations showed the deceased were in financial distress for the past two months. They had no place to stay, and packed their things and come by car to their hometown, Tuticorin. "After offering prayers at Athangarai dargah, the family reportedly gave their belongings as alms. After that, the incident could have happened around 5am on Tuesday," he added.

He stated that the car was found 25 metres away in the deserted area. "There are signs that they could have stopped the car for resting, as the recliner seats in the car were pulled backwards. Also, there are no signs of fuel pouring," said the official. Another senior official said though prima facie it appears to be suicide, they are also inquiring whether it was an accidental fire. They are investigating about their financial situation too. "Only the tyre marks of the charred vehicle were found in the vicinity," he added.