“Indian-Origin Family Tragically Killed in Suspicious Fire in Canada”

New Delhi:

An Indian-origin family tragically lost their lives in a devastating house fire that occurred in Canada’s Ontario province. The incident, which took place on March 7, shocked the community as the bodies of 51-year-old Rajiv Warikoo, his 47-year-old wife Shilpa Kotha, and their 16-year-old daughter Mahek Warikoo were discovered in their home on Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive.

Initially reported as a residential fire, the Peel Police have since ruled out the possibility of it being accidental. Constable Taryn Young described the fire as “suspicious” and confirmed that the Ontario Fire Marshal’s assessment supported this conclusion. The authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Witnesses recalled hearing a loud explosion before the flames engulfed the residence, adding to the mystery surrounding the tragic event. Neighbor Kenneth Yousaf recounted the shock of witnessing the house consumed by the fire within a matter of hours.

Following the extinguishing of the fire, authorities discovered what appeared to be human remains within the burnt-out house. Subsequent investigations confirmed the identities of the deceased as Rajiv Warikoo, Shilpa Kotha, and Mahek Warikoo, all of whom resided in the property.

Rajiv Warikoo, a former volunteer in the Toronto Police, was well-known in the community, while Mahek Warikoo was a talented young football player with a promising future ahead. Her coach remembered her as a standout athlete with the potential to secure scholarships at prestigious universities in North America.

The Peel Police are continuing their investigation into the tragic deaths and are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the fire. Anyone with relevant information or video footage is urged to come forward and contact the Homicide detectives.