Pregnant woman’s car fire death: Kin allege mystery

Kozhikode: Relatives of the 28-year-old pregnant woman who died after the car in which she was travelling caught fire have alleged mystery surrounding her death, especially in the wake of preliminary forensic findings ruling out major mechanical faults in the vehicle.Sona, daughter of Sreenivasan of Kallikkandi Meethal at Kuyimpil, died after the car caught fire while she was travelling with her husband Rejinlal of Poovathumchalil at Kakkaramukk near Cheruvannur on Friday night.Sona's uncle A K Sathyan alleged that there could be foul play in the incident."Local residents said they heard a loud blast. There were reportedly no defects in the engine or fuel tank. The fact that Sona, who was pregnant, was seated in the rear seat also raises suspicion, especially since the fire reportedly originated from the rear portion of the car," he said.Relatives said that there were differences of opinion between the couple. They demanded a comprehensive probe into Sona's death.The incident occurred around 9pm on Friday on the Cheruvannur-Kakkaramukk road. Sona died before she could be shifted to hospital. Rejinlal, who was driving the vehicle, sustained serious burn injuries, though he managed to get out of the car.Relatives also questioned why Sona was seated in the rear seat instead of the front seat. They claimed that forensic experts had not found any evidence of a short circuit or defects in the fuel tank.Relatives further said that Sona and Rejinlal had become acquainted through social media. According to them, while preparations for their marriage were under way, Rejinlal reportedly tried to withdraw from the marriage.They alleged that after learning about this, Sona attempted suicide at Vadakara. Later, Rejinlal reportedly assured her that he would marry her, following which the two registered their marriage in 2023.Rejinlal is currently under treatment at the Kozhikode Govt Medical College Hospital. Police are yet to record his statement.Police are waiting for forensic reports to see if there was the presence of any inflammable substance or explosive at the time of the incident.