Thiruvananthapuram: Two elderly people, a woman and her son, were found charred to death at a house in Poothakkulam panchayat on Monday afternoon. Police suspect that a dispute over her pension may have preceded the incident.The deceased have been identified as Thankamma (98) of Gokulam, Thalakkulam, and her son Sivasadasan (78) of Sushi Cottage, Idayadi, Paravoor. Their bodies were found at the house of Thankamma’s younger daughter Prabha around 3.30pm.Police said Thankamma and Sivasadasan were reportedly having disputes over the pension amount received by Thankamma. Her husband, the late Vidyadharan, had served in the Indian National Army (INA), and the pension was being paid in connection with his service.Sivasadasan, who had been living with his daughter in Ernakulam, had arrived at the house around noon and reportedly entered into an argument with his mother, police said. He had spent several years working abroad.Thankamma had been staying with Prabha at her house in Thalakkulam for a long time. Prabha was not at home when the incident occurred.Neighbours alerted the Paravur fire and rescue services and police after they heard an explosion-like sound from the house. A fire and rescue team reached the spot and found the doors of the house locked. The firefighters broke open the kitchen door to gain entry.Thankamma was found lying on a bed in the bedroom, while Sivasadasan was found in the hall. Both had suffered severe burns and were taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed that they were dead. Household articles, including chairs, the bed and other equipment, were also found burnt.Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the deaths and are examining whether the reported dispute over the pension preceded the fire. A detailed probe is under way.
