Though the investigation is on, police hinted that the fire may have erupted because of a lighted cigarette butt.

'Jain family said he had a bad habit of not stubbing cigarette completely. We suspect that as the air-conditioner was on and there were papers scattered in the room, the fire must have spread,' said an investigating officer.

His wife told police that Jain went to sleep after his dinner Monday night and she went to see her children who were studying in the next room.

'When she was teaching the children, lights started fluctuating. She went into her husband's room and saw the smoke all over. She said she tried her best to rescue him, but not before Jain sustained severe burn injuries,' the officer added.