Pregnant woman’s car fire death in Kozhikode: Police probe victim’s possible role

Kozhikode: In the death case of 28-year-old pregnant Sona, who was killed after the car in which she was travelling caught fire at Kakkaramukku in Cheruvannur, Perambra, police obtained evidence which raises suspicions regarding the woman's alleged role in the incident.The car in which Rejinlal and wife Sona, residents of Poovathumchal at Kakkaramukku, were travelling caught fire on Friday night. Sona died on the spot and Rejinlal suffered severe burn injuries and is undergoing treatment. Sona was sitting in the rear seat of the car driven by Rejinlal.Preliminary investigation had ruled out short circuit or engine failure as the cause of fire. Forensic examination detected traces of petrol and police had recovered the remains of the cap of a petrol can from the rear of the vehicle.Police later recovered CCTV visuals from a petrol pump at Naduvannur near Perambra, showing a woman resembling Sona purchasing petrol in a plastic can on the day of incident. According to sources, Rejinlal stated that he noticed the smell of petrol coming from the rear side of the car and asked Sona about it. Soon after, the vehicle was engulfed in flames that reportedly spread from the rear portion.Following the incident, Sona's family had raised suspicions over the circumstances surrounding her death.Sona's relatives said that she and Rejinlal became acquainted through social media. According to them, while preparations for their marriage were under way, Rejinlal reportedly tried to withdraw from the relationship. They alleged that after learning about this, Sona had attempted suicide at Vadakara. Later, Rejinlal allegedly assured her that he would marry her, following which the two registered their marriage in 2023. It is learned that the couple continued to have issues even after Sona became pregnant.The investigation is being led by Perambra DSP A T Augustine and Meppayur police inspector A Ajeesh.