Rajiv Warikoo : “Indian-Origin Family’s Death in Canada: Cops Rule Out Accidental Fire”

New Delhi:

An Indian-origin couple and their teenage daughter tragically lost their lives after a devastating fire engulfed their home in Canada’s Ontario province. The heart-wrenching incident took place on March 7, when the bodies of the victims, identified as 51-year-old Rajiv Warikoo, his 47-year-old wife Shilpa Kotha, and their 16-year-old daughter Mahek Warikoo, were discovered in their residence on Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive.

The Peel Police, who responded to the scene, initially classified the incident as a residential fire. However, upon further investigation, law enforcement ruled out the possibility of it being accidental. Constable Taryn Young described the fire as “suspicious” and stated that the authorities are diligently examining all available evidence to determine the cause of the tragic event.

“We are currently treating this as a suspicious incident and are working closely with our homicide bureau to investigate further. The Ontario Fire Marshal’s assessment also indicated that this fire was not accidental,” shared Mr. Young in an interview with CTV.

Eye-Witness Accounts

Reports from eyewitnesses in the area described hearing a loud explosion before witnessing the blaze consume the family’s home. Kenneth Yousaf, a neighbour, recalled the shocking moment when he saw the house engulfed in flames following the alleged explosion.

“It was a terrible sight. We were informed by a family member who heard a loud bang. The house was on fire when we rushed outside. It’s truly tragic how everything was reduced to ashes within a few hours,” recounted Yousaf to CTV.

Following the extinguishing of the fire, authorities discovered what appeared to be human remains within the charred remains of the house. However, at the time, the exact number of casualties could not be confirmed.

“During the investigation at the scene, the unfortunate discovery of human remains was made. Subsequent identification revealed that the deceased individuals were Rajiv Warikoo, Shilpa Kotha, and Mahek Warikoo, who all resided at the address,” stated a release by the Peel Police.

Remembering the Victims

Rajiv Warikoo, who previously served as a volunteer in the Toronto Police force, was well-respected in the community, with his tenure ending in 2016. Meanwhile, Mahek Warikoo, a talented young footballer, was known for her exceptional skills on the field and her potential to secure scholarships at esteemed universities.

The investigation into the tragic deaths of the Warikoo family is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information or relevant video footage to come forward and assist in the investigation.

“The circumstances surrounding the house fire remain under active investigation, and we encourage individuals with information to contact the Homicide detectives,” appealed the police.