Malappuram: The charred body of a 77-year-old woman was found inside the kitchen of her house at Nellekkad, Kanthallur, on Sunday morning.

The deceased was identified as Devaki Amma, wife of the late Gopa Nambiar, of Nambidi House. She had been living alone.

The incident came to light around 9.30 am when her daughter and son-in-law, who live nearby, arrived with food and discovered her body in the kitchen.

Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have originated from the gas stove and spread rapidly, possibly because Devaki Amma had applied oil to her hands. Forensic experts believe the oil could have intensified the flames.

Police officers from the Changaramkulam station, along with a forensic team, inspected the spot. The body was handed over to the family after an autopsy.