Former DSP of J&K, five others suffocated to death due to fire
Locals noticed smoke emitting out of their house and alerted police and fire brigade
New Delhi, December `8
Six persons of a family including a deputy superintendent of police suffocated to death after fire broke out in their home in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district.
The deceased have been identified as 81-year-old former deputy SP Avtar Krishen Raina, his daughter Barkha Raina (25), son Takash (3), 17-year-old Ganga Bhagat, 15-year-old Danish Bhagat and 6-year-old Advik.
Those injured and undergoing treatment are 61-year-old Swarna (the wife of Avtar Krishen Raina), Neetu Devi (40), Arun Kumar (15), and a 69-year-old woman, he said.
The preliminary investigations suggest the victims died of smoke inhalation and suffocation. The incident happened between 2 am and 3 am, police added.
The locals noticed the house on fire around 2:30 am and rushed to rescue its occupants. The house was filled with thick smoke, suffocating its occupants in their sleep
