A pregnant woman died in a car fire in Kozhikode’s Cheruvannur area, and CCTV footage showing her purchasing petrol at a nearby pump has deepened the mystery surrounding the incident. The police investigation is now focused on how the petrol ended up inside the vehicle.

The deceased, Sona, was six months pregnant at the time of the incident. On the day of the fire, she and her husband Rijilal were traveling in their car when a sudden explosion occurred inside the vehicle. Neighbors reported hearing a loud blast and rushed to the scene. Sona was found dead in the back seat with her seatbelt still fastened, while Rijilal sustained severe burns covering approximately 65 percent of his body and is currently undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

Initial assessments suggested a routine accident, but forensic examination and Motor Vehicles Department reports revealed that the fire originated from inside the car cabin, not from the engine bay or fuel tank. No signs of a short circuit or fuel tank leak were found, pointing to petrol being present inside the vehicle as the cause.

The case took a dramatic turn when CCTV visuals emerged showing a woman resembling Sona purchasing petrol in a can from a pump near Naduvannur. This has led police to question whether Sona bought the petrol herself or was sent by someone else. Investigators are exploring multiple possibilities — from suicide to foul play.

Family members have alleged that Rijilal was in a relationship with another woman and that Sona had previously attempted suicide in Vatakara, where police intervened. The couple had a history of discord, having dated and split before eventually marrying.

Police are awaiting Rijilal’s statement once his condition improves, which is expected to be crucial in determining the course of the investigation.