Four members of a same family have died of suffocation at Pragati tole in Pokhara-14, Chauthe on Tuesday night. 

Kaski Police DSP Gajusidhhi Bajracharya said that deceased have been identified as the house owner Sita Thal Rana, 26, her 10 year-old son Simanta Rana, Sita’s 56 year old mother Ganga Kumari Thal and Sita’s cousin sister 22 year old Basanti Rana.

The victims died of suffocation due to smoke from the fire they burnt to keep the room warm.  Police said that the locals had informed the police after they saw that Sita’s house’s glasspane had turned black. Police have suspected that the fire could have broken out due to short circuit.

The sofas in the living room have been ruined due to fire. Simanta’s body was found in the kitchen. Other victims were found dead in the bedroom. There were no ventilators and all the doors and windows were shut.

“The victims died due to suffocation. They have not sustained any burns,” said DSP Bajracharya, “They died as all the doors and windows were shut”. Ganga Kumari had been staying with her daughter. Basanti had arrived at Sita’s place on Monday to celebrate Lhosar.

The bodies have been taken to Paschimanchal Regional Hospital for post mortem. Sita’s husband Man Bahadur Rana is a migrant worker in Israel.