Former DSP Among Six Killed in Kathua House Fire

A house fire in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, killed six, including ex-DSP Avtar Krishen Raina and his grandson. Thick smoke caused suffocation while four others sustained injuries. Preliminary investigations ruled out burns. Union Minister Jitendra Singh condoled the loss, and police have initiated an investigation into the tragedy's cause.

A tragic house fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district claimed six lives early Wednesday, including an 81-year-old former deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Avtar Krishen Raina, and his three-year-old grandson. Four others were injured and are receiving treatment at Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Kathua.

The incident occurred around 2:30 AM when locals spotted flames and rushed to help. However, thick smoke from the fire had already suffocated the victims in their sleep. Preliminary investigations suggest the deaths resulted from smoke inhalation, with no burn injuries reported.

The deceased include Avtar Krishen Raina, his daughter Barkha Raina, son Takash, two minors—15-year-old Danish Bhagat and six-year-old Advik—and a family friend, Ganga Bhagat. Those injured are Swarna Raina, Neetu Devi, Arun Kumar, and a 69-year-old woman.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed shock and condoled the loss, stating he is in contact with local authorities. He described the incident as "deeply tragic" in a social media post.

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Dr. Surinder Atri, principal of GMC Hospital, confirmed that the fire broke out between 2 AM and 3 AM. He mentioned that the family had been living in a rented house. According to a witness, Rocky Sharma, the blaze started in the drawing room, and smoke quickly spread to the other rooms.

The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities are coordinating with fire brigade officials to ascertain how the fire started.