The tragic incident of an India-origin family being burnt to death in their home in Ontario, Canada, has left the community in shock and mourning. The victims, identified as Rajiv Warikoo (51), Shilpa Kotha (47), and their 16-year-old daughter Mahek Warikoo, were found dead at the site of the fire on March 7.
Peel Police reported that the remains of the deceased were discovered at the address at Ontario, indicating that all three individuals resided there prior to the fire. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, and investigators are working diligently to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
The incident came to light when authorities received a distress call reporting a house engulfed in flames at Brampton’s Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive area around 1:30 pm on March 7. Firefighters rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze, after which the Fire Marshall’s office was called in to investigate the cause. The fire has been deemed suspicious, adding to the complexity of the investigation.
Video footage from a neighbour’s doorbell camera captured the intensity of the fire, with large flames engulfing the Warikoo family’s home and thick black smoke rising into the sky. Peel Police Constable Taryn Young stated that they are treating the incident as suspicious and are collaborating with the homicide bureau to uncover the truth behind the tragic event. While the investigation faces challenges due to the extent of the destruction, law enforcement officials are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of answers.
The devastating loss has deeply impacted the local community in Brampton, where the Warikoo family was well-known and respected. Neighbours described them as a friendly and active family who frequently interacted with others in the community. The news of their untimely demise has left neighbours and acquaintances heartbroken, with many expressing shock and sadness over the tragic turn of events.
Kenneth Yousaf, a neighbour, expressed profound sadness over the loss, especially considering that his own daughter was of similar age to Mahek, who perished in the fire. He recalled seeing the two girls playing together often, highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on the close-knit neighbourhood.
As the investigation into the suspicious fire continues, the community mourns the loss of the Warikoo family and awaits answers regarding the circumstances surrounding their tragic deaths. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.
