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Indian diplomats are coordinating with German authorities, while Kerala has pledged to cover the cost of bringing the victims’ remains home
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A resident has been detained on suspicion of murder and arson
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The matter also draws attention to concerns about personal safety, online harassment and the potential misuse of access to sensitive government information
India’s diplomatic missions in Germany are assisting the families of three Indian nationals from Kerala who died in a residential building fire in Bochum, as German authorities investigate the incident as a suspected criminal act.
The Indian Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General in Frankfurt are in contact with local authorities and the bereaved families, and are providing necessary assistance, the embassy said in a statement posted on social media on Wednesday.
The victims were identified as Sivin Johny, 26, from Kalady in Ernakulam district; Nova Sabu, 25, from Kattappana in Idukki district; and Anjali Sheela Joy, 27, from Chemmakkad in Kollam district. All three were from Kerala.
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The fire broke out early on Tuesday in a multi-family residential building in the Hofstede district of Bochum, in Germany’s western state of North Rhine-Westphalia
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Firefighters found the three dead in an apartment on the second floor, while five other people suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital
German media reports said a 41-year-old Romanian resident of the building had been remanded in custody on suspicion of murder and arson resulting in death. Investigators have reportedly ruled out a technical fault as the cause of the fire. The motive remains under investigation, and the allegations against the suspect have not been established in court.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan said his office was coordinating with the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs to arrange the return of the victims’ mortal remains.
The state government, through NORKA Roots, will bear the repatriation expenses, he said. Public representatives have also contacted the authorities to help expedite the necessary formalities.
The deaths have left families in Kerala awaiting the return of their loved ones, who had travelled to Germany in pursuit of employment and educational opportunities. Indian officials continue to coordinate assistance as the German investigation proceeds.
