Kerala To Fund Repatriation Of 3 Students Killed In Germany Fire

Three Indian students from Kerala were killed in a fire at a residential building in Bochum, western Germany, with the Kerala government stepping in to cover the cost of bringing their mortal remains home as authorities investigate suspected arson and murder.

The victims were identified as Sivin Johny (26), from Kalady in Ernakulam district; Nova Sabu (25), from Kattappana in Idukki; and Anjali Sheela Joy (27), from Chemmakkad in Kollam. All three were studying in Germany, according to the Indian diplomatic mission.

The Indian Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General of India in Frankfurt are in contact with the victims' families and local authorities, providing assistance. The Indian mission expressed its condolences and said German authorities were investigating the incident.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan said his office was coordinating with the Indian Embassy, the Ministry of External Affairs and NORKA Roots to bring the victims' remains back to India. The state government will bear the repatriation expenses.

Families and public representatives in Kerala have also approached authorities to expedite the process. MP Benny Behanan visited Sivin Johny's family, while Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh visited Anjali Sheela Joy's family and assured them of assistance.

A 41-year-old Romanian resident of the building has been remanded in custody on suspicion of murder and arson resulting in death, according to German media reports citing the German Press Agency. A judge issued an arrest warrant against him. The suspect has reportedly declined to comment on the allegations.

Investigators are continuing to examine the motive and circumstances surrounding the fire. Although a technical defect has been ruled out, authorities have not publicly established who started the blaze or why.

A report also said police had visited the building on Sunday over a dispute. However, investigators had not linked that earlier incident to the fire, and it remains unclear whether it has any relevance to the case.

The fire broke out early Tuesday in a multi-family residential building in the Hofstede district of Bochum, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Firefighters found the three victims dead inside an apartment on the second floor.

Five other people suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals in Bochum. An October 15 report said one of the injured people was a Malayali student who was reportedly in critical condition. The person's identity and a subsequent medical update have not been confirmed in the reports available.

The rescue operation was complicated by the rapid spread of flames through the building's wooden stairwell, which was completely destroyed. Firefighters used ladders and other equipment to rescue residents trapped inside. The building was reported to be likely uninhabitable.