Three Indians from Kerala lost their lives after a fire engulfed a residential building in Bochum, Germany. German police have arrested a 41-year-old Romanian national residing in the same building on suspicion of murder as investigators suspect the blaze may have been deliberately started.

Five other people were injured, including a Malayali student who is reportedly in critical condition.

The deceased have been identified as Nova Sabu, 25, from Kattappana in Idukki district; Anjali Sheela Joy, 25, from Kollam; and Sivin Johny, 26, from Kalady in Ernakulam district.

The fire broke out around 4.15 am local time in a multi-storey residential building on Poststrasse in Bochum's Hofstede neighbourhood. Firefighters recovered the three bodies from an apartment on the second floor.

Investigators have reportedly ruled out a technical fault and are examining suspected arson. The fire is believed to have started on the ground floor before spreading through a wooden staircase, which served as the building's main exit.

Thick smoke reportedly filled the corridors, hampering escape and rescue efforts. Neighbours also told police that an altercation had taken place among residents a day before the incident.

Three Lives Cut Short

Nova Sabu, daughter of a retired police sub-inspector and a public health nurse, travelled to Germany on July 3. She was working part-time as a gym trainer.

Sivin Johny had arrived in Germany around two weeks before the tragedy to pursue higher studies. His brother lives in Germany, while his sister resides in Ireland.

Anjali Sheela Joy, who held a Bachelor of Education degree, moved to Germany in July for employment and was working at a warehouse. According to a relative, she repeatedly appeared for Kerala Public Service Commission examinations, hoping to secure a government job, before deciding to move abroad.

Joy's family grew anxious after she missed her usual nightly phone call. They learnt about the fire through a friend in Dubai. A relative living in Germany subsequently contacted local police and confirmed her death.

Efforts To Bring Remains Home

Kollam MP N K Premachandran has approached India's Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, seeking assistance in bringing the victims' mortal remains back to India.

Kerala Tourism Minister P C Vishnunath said the state government was coordinating with the Department of Non-Resident Keralites' Affairs and the Indian Embassy to facilitate the process. Malayali associations in Germany have also extended support to the bereaved families, including assistance with repatriation expenses.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire is continuing.