Mother, daughter charred to death in Duttapukur, 1 held

Kolkata: Mystery shrouds the death of a 22-year-old housewife and her two-and-a half-year old daughter whose charred bodies were found inside a room of their house in Duttapukur in North 24-Parganas on Sunday late night.

The victim's husband also received severe burn injuries and was admitted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Police are yet to ascertain the exact reason that led to the fire in their room but the woman's family members lodged a murder complaint against her mother-in-law and brother-in-law. It was around 11 pm on Sunday when some locals saw smoke billowing out of a room in the house situated at Sadarpur in Duttapukur. They went to the house and initiated the work to douse the flames.

Some of them even tried to enter the room but it was not possible as the flames were threatening to spread further.

Locals took some time to enter the room after extinguishing the fire. They found all three Kush Ghosh (28), his wife Kajal (22) and Sayantika (2 years and 6 months) lying on the floor of the room with severe burn injuries.

They took all three of them to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Kajal and Sayantika succumbed to their injuries on way to the hospital while Kush was admitted to the hospital where he is battling for his life.

Police initiated a probe in this connection and conducted a search at the place of occurrence. The investigating officers found a kerosene oil container, a piece of cloth and a mobile phone. Police suspect that the accused used the clothe to set the room on fire.

Police also spoke to the locals and came to know that there was no trouble between Kush and his wife. But Kajal's mother-in-law and brother-in-law used to torture her and they allegedly didn't allow the couple to lead a peaceful life. The police have detained one in this connection. Forensic experts have also visited the spot and collected samples to ascertain whether it is a case of homicide or suicide.