In a case of suspected suicide, an elderly man and woman were found dead inside their residence after allegedly setting themselves on fire at Ottoor, Chennancode, near Varkala, on Tuesday.
The Kallambalam police identified the deceased as Sukumaran, 87, and Omana, 81. Sukumaran was the brother of Omana’s late husband. Since her husband’s demise, the duo has been residing together.
The incident came to light around 1.30 p.m. when their neighbours noticed thick smoke billowing from the house and rushed to the spot. They immediately alerted the fire force and the police after discovering the bodies.
According to preliminary investigation, the police suspects that the duo died by suicide after pouring kerosene over themselves.
Police sources said that some neighbours stated having seen both Sukumaran and Omana going out to buy groceries as usual earlier in the day. A neighbour used to regularly prepare and provide food for them.
While a case of unnatural death has been registered, a detailed investigation is under way to ascertain the cause of deaths.
(Suicide prevention helpline: DISHA: 1056, 0471-2552056)
Published – June 30, 2026 09:42 pm IST