Prayagraj/UNI: An elderly couple was charred to death after a house was set on fire in the Mutthiganj area of Prayagraj district here in Uttar Pradesh, a police officer said on Tuesday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Deepak Bhuker said on Monday night around 11 pm information was received that a woman Anshika Kesarwani (27) had committed suicide in her in-laws house.

"Members from both the families were present on the spot and were having a heated argument during which it is alleged that members from Anshika's family side set the house of in-laws on fire," he said.

He said seven people were present inside the house at the time of the incident, and while five were rescued with the help of fire tenders, two were charred to death.

"When the house was searched around 3 a.m. after the fire was extinguished, two charred bodies were identified as Anshika's father-in-law, Rajendra Kesarwani (65) and his wife, Shobha Devi (62)," he said.

The ACP said both bodies have been sent to the RN hospital. "Senior officers inspected the spot, and further legal action is being taken. A cross case has been lodged, and members of both sides are being quizzed," he said.

Police sources said that Anshika, a resident of Jhalwa, got married to Anshu, a resident of Mutthiganj.

"The family members of Anshika have alleged that on Monday night her body was found hanging from a rope in her in-laws house. They have alleged that Anshika was being harassed after the marriage," they said.

Police sources said Anshika's family has alleged that either she was killed and later her body was hanged or she committed suicide due to harassment.

"After getting the news of Anshika's death, her family members reached the spot, which led to a scuffle and a fire incident," they said.