Belagavi: A tragic incident in Aman Nagar in Belagavi district left three young men dead and one in critical condition after they slept in a sealed room heated with a charcoal stove. The incident came to light on Tuesday afternoon when family members failed to reach them and went to check on their safety.
Police identified the deceased as Mohin Nalaband, aged 23, Rehan Matte, aged 22, and Sarfaraz Harappanahalli, aged 22. The survivor, Shahanawaz Harpanhalli, aged 19, was found unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition.
Investigators said the men had returned late at night from a family function. Women in the main house were resting, so the four chose to sleep in another house owned by relatives. Due to the cold, they lit a charcoal stove before sleeping. Officials said the room had no ventilation. Smoke from the stove likely reduced oxygen levels over several hours. Police said the final cause of death will be confirmed after post-mortem reports.
The tragedy was discovered when Rehan’s sister tried to call him several times on Tuesday morning. When she received no response, she went to the house. She found the door locked from inside and noticed a strong smell. Police entered the room and found three men lifeless and one gasping for air.
Relatives said the group spent some time chatting, drinking tea, and even posted a photo online before sleeping. They did not know the danger posed by charcoal fumes in a closed space.
Local authorities have urged the public to avoid using charcoal or smoke-producing heating sources inside sealed rooms and have advised proper ventilation when using any heating method.
As reported in sahilonline.org
