A prominent businessman, his wife and their domestic help died allegedly of suffocation inside their house in Kanpur, UttarPradesh following a fire that broke out from a earthen lamp early Friday, police said.
The couple had installed an electronic lock on their bedroom door but as the blaze erupted, they failed to enter the correct unlocking code in panic and remained trapped, a senior officer said. Sanjay Shyam Dasani (49), his wife Kanika (45) and their domestic help Chhavi Chauhan (24) died in the fire.
DCP (Central Kanpur) Dinesh Tripathi said the fire began around 3 am, after the family performed late night prayers, leaving the lamp burning in the temple, made of wood.
“Dasani, his wife and their maid had all retired to their bedrooms and were asleep when the fire spread rapidly through the house,” he said. “When local officials, including fire brigade, were alerted, they reached the spot and the trio was rushed to the Regency Hospital where they were declared dead by doctors.”
Around 4 am, their son Harsh returned home after Diwali celebrations and discovered the house filled with thick smoke and flames. He alerted neighbours, who then contacted the police and fire department. Further investigation is on.
