Three Malayalis killed in Germany apartment fire, suspect arrested

Three Keralam natives were killed and five people injured in a fire at a residential building in Bochum, Germany, on Tuesday, October 14. Police have arrested a 41-year-old Romanian resident of the building on suspicion of murder.The deceased were identified as Anjali Sheela Joy from Kollam, Nova Sabu from Kattappana in Idukki, and Sivin Johny from Kalady in Ernakulam. They had moved into an apartment on the building’s second floor about two weeks before the fire.According to reports, the fire broke out at around 4.15 am in the multi-family building in Bochum’s Hofstede district. Firefighters found the three victims dead in their apartment. Flames and smoke spread through the stairwell, initially preventing emergency crew from reaching residents on the upper floors. Rescue teams evacuated four people using ladders, while another resident escaped onto an air cushion. Five people were injured, reportedly from smoke inhalation, and taken to hospital, reports said.While Anjali had moved to Germany for higher studies, Nova had moved there about six months ago for work. Sivin had arrived only around a fortnight before the fire to pursue higher studies.Kerala Tourism Minister PC Vishnunath said the state government was coordinating with Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) and the Indian Embassy to bring the bodies back. He also spoke to Anjali’s family.Investigators have ruled out a technical fault and are examining suspected arson. Whether the fire was deliberately set or started accidentally remains under investigation. Local media have also reported a dispute at the building before the fire, but authorities have not established a connection.Police and prosecutors announced the arrest on Wednesday, October 14. German broadcaster WDR reported that a Bochum police spokesperson said there were initial grounds to suspect murder. The man was questioned by the homicide squad before his arrest, German media reported.