Canada: Indian-origin family of three living in Brampton succumb to massive, suspicious fire

An Indian origin couple and their teenage daughter were killed after a fire broke out in their home in Canada’s Ontario Province. The incident occurred on March 7, 2024 but was reported on March 15, 2024, after the remains were identified as those of the family of three.

A fire engulfed the home at Big Sky Way and the Van Kirk drive area of Brampton on March 7, 2024. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a large explosion before the inferno engulfed the residence adding to the puzzling circumstances surrounding the incident. Kenneth Yousaf, a neighbour of the deceased family recounted the harrowing moment when he watched the whole house fully engulfed in flames.

Yousaf said he was alerted to the fire last week by a family member, who heard a big-bang. “When we came out, the house was on fire. So sad. Within a few hours, everything was down to the ground.

The family resided at the Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive area of Brampton. According to a news agency, the investigators said they could not ascertain the number of people killed, soon after they reached at the spot after they were alerted by one of the members of the family.

However, as the blaze was put out, they located what was believed to be human remains. The family was identified as 51-year-old Rajiv Warikoo, his wife, 47year old Shilpa Kotha and their 16-year-old daughter Mahek Warikoo. Rajiv Warikoo had served as a volunteer in the Toronto police and his term ended in 2016.

Mahek Warikoo was a promising young teenager who used to play football and her coach remembered her as an exceptional talent on the field with potential to secure scholarships at prestigious universities across North America.

Local media reports say the police were unable to ascertain the reason behind the fire and deemed it suspicious. “At this time, we are investigating this with our homicide bureau, and we are deeming this as suspicious as the Ontario Fire Marshal has deemed that this fire was not accidental,” a report quoted a police official as saying.

In a press release, the police said they were continuing to investigate the deaths of the three family members and urged anyone with the information to come forward.