Police investigation into the death of a pregnant woman in a car fire in Perambra, Kozhikode, has taken a dramatic turn. Authorities now believe the fire was pre-planned and not an accident.

Sona, a pregnant woman from Paleri Kallikkandi, died after the car she was traveling in caught fire. Her husband, Rajin Lal from Kakkramukku Poovathumchal, sustained over 60% burns and is undergoing treatment at the Medical College.

The Motor Vehicles Department inspection confirmed that the fire did not start from the engine and that the vehicle had no mechanical defects. Evidence suggests the fire spread from the rear of the car. Police have recovered CCTV footage showing a woman purchasing petrol and carrying a can near the Naduvannur road shortly before the incident. Identifying this woman is now a key focus of the investigation.

Rajin Lal, who was driving the car, told police that he smelled petrol and asked about it, but the fire spread before he could react. Investigators noted that the burns on Rajin Lal’s body are primarily on his back, adding to the suspicions.

On the day of the incident, Sona was at her maternal aunt’s house in Valiyakodu from 12 PM to 7:30 PM. Rajin Lal dropped her there and later picked her up. A relative told police that she went shopping with Sona in Perambra but does not know where Sona went when she entered shops. After returning, Sona left with Rajin Lal. It remains unclear where Sona and Rajin spent the approximately two hours after leaving the aunt’s house before the fire broke out.

Police are conducting a detailed investigation, and Rajin Lal’s statement will be crucial in unraveling the case.