India, Feb. 1 -- An elderly couple died in a fire at their home in Alappuzha district of Kerala on Saturday, with their son suspected of setting the blaze.

Police said the deceased have been identified as Raghavan, 96, and his wife Bharathi, 86, residents of Chennithala village.

Suspicion has fallen on their son, Vijayan, who has been taken into police custody for allegedly setting the house on fire.

Quoting sources, India Today reported that Vijayan had been involved in a prolonged dispute with his parents over property matters.

The fire was initially spotted by an autorickshaw driver around 3 30 am on Saturday, leading villagers to alert the police and fire and rescue services.

While the fire was eventually brought under control, t...