Autopsy finds poison in 2 of 4 charred bodies

Tirunelveli: A day after four of a family from Chennai were found charred to death in a car at Thisayanvilai in Tirunelveli district, preliminary autopsy findings revealed traces of poison in the bodies of the woman and her daughter. According to a senior official, the findings also pointed to an electrical fire, though that too could have been ignited by someone.The deceased were identified as Mohamed Rafik, 45, his wife Syed Nasrin Fatima, 36, of Nandambakkam, and their 15-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. Their bodies were sent to Tirunelveli Govt Medical College and Hospital for autopsy. They were found charred along with their car at a deserted spot off Thisayanvilai-Uvari road on Tuesday.Police said autopsy by forensic experts revealed traces of poison ingestion in the bodies of Fatima and her daughter. Since the bodies of Rafik and his son were charred, autopsy could not be performed. Police said the car key was left inside the vehicle. They had sold their house in Chennai and travelled to several areas in the state before reaching Tirunelveli. Police are investigating whether Rafik was in debt.