Date:08/02/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/02/08/stories/2004020808120300.htm

Karnataka - Bidar

Elderly farmer burnt to death

By Our Staff Correspondent

BIDAR, FEB. 7. A 65-year-old man, who was sleeping beside bags of foodgrains, was burnt to death in a fire that broke out in his house at Ramateertha (D) village in Basavkalyan taluk on Friday night.

Police found the body of Manik Patil charred beyond recognition.

At least 50 bags of toor dal and other foodgrains, cash, gold, and other valuables were destroyed in the fire.

According to police, Patil lived with his four brothers. He was sleeping alone as his brothers were away at his field.

The women members of the family, who had gone to attend a function at a house nearby, had locked the doors as they did not want to wake him up on their return.

This might have prevented Patil from escaping, and this theory is credible as the body was found near the door.

Although his cries awakened his neighbours, they could not put out the fire which had engulfed a few houses in the neighbourhood.

The nearest fire station is 40 km. away, and there was no telephone nearby.

Police suspect that the fire started from a traditional "chula" in the house in which the fire had not been put out.

A case has been registered at the Manthal police station.