A townhouse fire on June 26, 2024, on Keewatin Avenue in Winnipeg, claimed the life of 30-year-old Nirmaljeet Kaur on June 30, 2024. The fire also critically injured a 29-year-old male, who has since been upgraded to stable condition but sustained life-altering injuries.

The victims were asleep when their suite became engulfed in flames after a couch was deliberately set on fire against the building. Both victims were transported to the hospital in critical condition.

The Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation and discovered that the accused was also involved in a robbery prior to the townhouse fire and three additional arsons after the incident.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on June 26, the accused allegedly confronted a male in his 30s at a gas station in the 700 block of Keewatin Street. He demanded a cigarette, punched the victim, and then left. The victim reported the incident to police and did not require medical attention.

Police say that shortly after the townhouse fire, the accused remained in the area and set three garbage bins on fire.

At approximately 10:45 p.m., General Patrol members recognized the accused while they attended to the 700 block of William Avenue on an unrelated matter.

27-year-old Izak Sararas was arrested and turned over to the Major Crimes Unit. He was charged with two counts of Arson with Disregard for Human Life, four counts of Arson Causing Damage to Property, and one count of Robbery. He was detained in custody.

Following Kaur’s death on June 30, a charge of Manslaughter was authorized against Sararas on July 2. He was arrested on the strength of a warrant while he was in custody and remains in custody at this time.

The Winnipeg Police Service investigated this incident in collaboration with WFPS Fire Investigators and the WFPS Accelerant Detection K9.

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