Harassed by drug-addict son, Kerala couple 'end lives by setting car on fire'

KOTTAYAM: A couple in their sixties allegedly ended their lives by setting their car on fire in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, leaving behind a purported suicide note that mentions "mental trauma" and harassment from their only son (38) who is now admitted to a de-addiction centre.
The tragedy unfolded around 1.30pm in Thiruvalla, around 7km from the home of the husband (68) and wife (62) in Thukalassery area.A police patrol vehicle noticed the burning car. Fire and rescue teams were brought to the spot soon but the couple were charred to death by then. Police identified them by tracking the car's registration number. Later, the cops found the purported suicide note in their house giving reasons for their decision to take the extreme step, sources said.
The son is admitted to the de-addiction centre in nearby Muvattupuzha town. Based on the note and preliminary inquiry, the police said the son used to pick fights with the couple over family property, following which they had transferred its ownership to him, his wife and child. However, the issues persisted, after which the couple lost hope, the police said.
According to locals, the family did not have any financial liability. The man had worked abroad for nearly 25 years and had returned to Kerala only a few years ago.
The police said they suspected the couple parked their car by the roadside, poured fuel inside it and set it on fire, adding more details would emerge only after forensic test results. The bodies have been shifted to the Kottayam Govt Medical College Hospital and further investigations are on, the cops said.