6 killed as fire breaks out in Kathua house

Six persons, including a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and four children, reportedly died of suffocation when their home in Shiv Nagar area of Kathua district caught fire early on Wednesday. The incident came to light when neighbours witnessed flames and smoke coming out of the home.

Four other persons were rescued in an unconscious state who were rushed to the hospital and are under treatment.

As per information, a total of three families were living in the rented accommodation at the time of the tragedy.

The deceased have been identified as 81-year-old former DSP Avtar Krishen Raina, his 25-year-old daughter Barkha Raina, her 3-year-old son Takash, 17-year-old Ganga Bhagat, 15-year-old Danish Bhagat and 6-year-old Advik.

The victims were shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Kathua where six of them were declared brought dead.