Malkangiri: Three sisters allegedly committed suicide by setting themselves ablaze at their home near the Jagannath Temple in the district headquarters town on Wednesday.

The deceased are Maneka Rao, 35, Renuka, 30, and Mangi, 24, said police. The incident came to light around 10am when neighbours noticed flames emanating from their home and informed the police.

Fire fighting personnel reached the spot soon after and doused the flames and found the charred remains of the three sisters.

The sisters' father, Nageswar Rao, passed away 12 days ago. Though local residents suspect that the sisters committed suicide, the police are yet to ascertain the motive.

"We suspect that the incident occurred after a fire caught the LPG cylinder. However, whether the three sisters committed suicide or if it was a mishap is still under investigation," said Brundabati Tandi, investigating officer in the case.

The police said the home was locked from inside and two of their brothers had gone to Rajamahundry to perform rituals for their deceased father.

Their younger brother left home around 9am for the local market.

Sources said the family used to eke out a living by selling homemade snacks and the death of their father had pushed them to a future of uncertainty.

This might have pushed them to take the extreme step.

"They lost their mother a few years ago. All three sisters were unmarried. Their father's passing had traumatised them," said a neighbour.