Thiruvananthapuram, 31 August (H.S.): A former Army serviceman was found charred to death inside a car that caught fire near Venganoor in Vizhinjam early on Monday, prompting the police to launch a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The deceased has been identified as Titus Kurian, a native of Ettumanoor in Kottayam district. Police said the vehicle also carried a Kottayam registration number.

The incident occurred near Ayyankali School at Venganoor. Local residents noticed the parked car in flames at around 5 am and alerted the Fire and Rescue Services. Firefighters rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze, but the vehicle had by then been completely gutted.

During an inspection of the wreckage, firefighters found a severely burnt body inside the car. The remains were subsequently identified as those of Kurian.

Police have begun examining how Kurian and the vehicle reached Venganoor, a considerable distance from his native place. Investigators are also collecting information about his movements before the incident and checking whether anyone else had accompanied him.

While suicide is among the possibilities being considered, police said it was too early to reach a conclusion. They have not ruled out the possibility of foul play or other circumstances behind the fire.

A forensic team was dispatched to the scene to inspect the burnt vehicle and collect material evidence. Investigators are expected to examine the car for traces of inflammable substances and other clues that could help determine how the fire began.

Police are also likely to check CCTV footage from roads and establishments in and around Venganoor to reconstruct the vehicle's journey. Statements from Kurian's relatives and local residents will also be recorded.

The charred body has been shifted for post-mortem examination. Police said the cause and nature of the death would become clearer after the forensic examination and autopsy reports are received.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman