Fatal Brampton Fire Claims Lives Of Indian-Origin Couple And Daughter In Suspicious Incident

An Indian-origin couple and their 16-year-old daughter tragically perished in a "suspicious" fire at their home in Ontario, Canada's Brampton area.

The incident occurred on March 7, with authorities confirming the victims' identities on Friday. Rajiv Warikoo, 51, Shilpa Kotha, 47, and Mahek Warikoo, 16, were identified as the deceased individuals, as reported by CTV News.

"All three of the deceased persons resided at the address prior to the fire," stated Peel Police in a press release.

On March 7, at 1:30 pm, police responded to a fully engulfed residential home on Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive in Brampton.

Footage from a neighbor's doorbell camera captured large flames erupting from the roof and thick black smoke filling the sky as firefighters arrived, according to CTV News.

"After initial firefighting efforts, the Ontario Fire Marshal's office joined in to determine the fire's cause. During the investigation, responders unfortunately discovered what appeared to be human remains within the destroyed house," added Peel Police.

The Peel Regional Police Homicide Bureau detectives have been collaborating closely with the Office of the Chief Coroner in the ongoing investigation.

Peel police Constable Taryn Young confirmed the fire's suspicious nature in statements to CTV News and CP24.

"At this time, we are investigating this with our homicide bureau, and we are deeming this as suspicious as the Ontario Fire Marshal has deemed that this fire was not accidental," said Constable Young.

Acknowledging the devastating impact on the local community, Young mentioned that investigators are tirelessly working to determine the cause of the deadly fire.

A neighbor described the deceased family as "a good family" who were friendly with their neighbors and often seen riding bikes in the area.

"That is so, so tragic. My neighbor's daughter and their daughter were about the same age, and we saw them playing all the time, so it was very sad to hear that news," said neighbor Kenneth Yousaf.