Dalit woman, two minor children die in fire

Fatehgarh Sahib, Aug 23 (UNI) A woman belonging to Balmiki community and her two minor children were today burnt to death at village Hargana of district Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab.

Kulwinder Kaur and her two children, who lived in a joint family, were alone in the house when the fire broke out, Khamano DSP Balwant Singh said.

The neighbours, who on noticing the smoke rushed to rescue, found all the three with serious burn injuries.

They were immediately taken into Civil Hospital, Fatehgarh Sahib.

One of the children succumbed to injuries at the Civil Hospital while the mother and her other child succumbed to injuries at PGIMR, Chandigarh.

The exact reason of fire was yet to be ascertained by police.

There was possibility of a stove in the house having blasted while cooking meals.

At the time of incident, Kulwinder's father-in-law, mother-in-law, two married brother-in-laws, their wives, one bachelor brother-in-law were not at home.

DSP Singh, who made inquiries from neighbours, said that the parents of Kulwinder Kaur, who hailed from Rupnanger district and belonged to a poor background, had been called to verify the possibility of any foul play.

He said that police has recorded the statement of various people and was also interrogating in-laws of Kulwinder Kaur.

He said that investigations were on and no case was registered so far.

UNI