Srinivasapur, 7 Sept

A 34-year-old woman and her seven-year-old son died under mysterious circumstances in a fire at a poultry breeding farm in Arikere village, Srinivasapur taluk, during the early hours of Saturday.

The deceased Rashmipriya, 34, and her son Deepak, 7. Initial reports suggest the woman may have died by self-immolation, with the child caught in the blaze. However, police are exploring all possible angles, including a suspected short circuit, a family dispute, and a potential suicide.

According to Police Inspector Goravinakolla, Rashmipriya and her husband Deepak had been working at the poultry farm for nearly two years. At the time of the incident, Deepak had gone out with other labourers to attend loading work at another farm near Chintamani.

Farm owner Indrabhavan Rajanna said the couple had earlier worked at his farm eight years ago before returning to their native Odisha, and came back two years ago. He described them as honest workers who appeared to live cordially.

Rajanna added that Deepak had a long phone conversation with his wife on Friday night, but the content remains unknown. Part of the roof was damaged in the incident. Rajanna has requested a thorough police investigation.