A quiet neighbourhood in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district was left in shock on Tuesday after the bodies of two elderly relatives were recovered from a house that had caught fire under mysterious circumstances.

The victims were identified as 87-year-old Sukumaran and 81-year-old Omana, who had been living together for several years at Kanjiramvila in Kallambalam.

According to police, Omana had been bedridden for some time, while Sukumaran was the brother of her late husband.

The incident came to light when residents noticed thick smoke rising from the house and immediately alerted the Fire and Rescue Services and the police.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control before entering the house, where they found the two bodies.

During the preliminary investigation, police found indications that the fire may have been deliberately set.

Officers said the pair are suspected to have used kerosene before the blaze, though the exact sequence of events is yet to be established.

Investigators also said witnesses had seen Sukumaran purchasing kerosene from a nearby ration shop shortly before the incident.

Based on the initial evidence, police suspect it may be a case of suicide, but have stressed that the investigation is continuing and all angles are being examined.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and forensic findings are expected to help investigators determine the exact cause and circumstances of the deaths.

(Suicide is not a solution: If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 9152987821, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)