Tirunelveli: Family of four from Chennai found burnt in car

CHENNAI: A family of four from Chennai was found charred to death inside their car along a road near Thisayanvilai in Tirunelveli district early on Tuesday.

The deceased were later identified as Mohammed Rafi (40), his wife Syed Nazrin Fathima (35), their daughter Afrin Fathima (15), and son Mohammed Ghaza (13), all residents of Periyar Nagar in Nandambakkam.

Upon seeing a car engulfed in fire near the road leading to the Athankarai Pallivasal, close to Pettiakulam, local residents alerted the police. Officers from Thisayanvilai police station rushed to the spot.

Upon seeing a car engulfed in fire near the road leading to the Athankarai Pallivasal, close to Pettiakulam, local residents alerted the police. Officers from Thisayanvilai police station rushed to the spot.

After the flames went out, four charred bodies were found inside the fully gutted vehicle.

Initial police probe has found that Rafi had debts and was under significant financial strain. Sources indicate the family had left their home months ago due to pressure from creditors. It is believed they travelled from Chennai to Tirunelveli on March 13.

On Monday night, they reportedly visited the Athankarai dargah for prayers, distributed clothes and money to the needy, and had dinner.

The police suspect Rafi deliberately parked the isolated car, sealed the doors and windows, and set the vehicle ablaze by pouring petrol.

According to the rescue team, the bodies of the two children were found clinging to their mother’s. The bodies have been sent to Palayamkottai Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The police are investigating further.