Information contained in our media releases may relate to issues of violence or trauma, which could be distressing for some individuals. Be mindful of your well-being and consider whether or not engaging with this content is appropriate for you.
On June 26, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a 30-year-old female victim, Nirmaljeet KAUR and a 29-year-old male victim were critically injured during a fire at a townhouse in the 800 block of Keewatin Avenue. KAUR and the male victim were asleep when their suite became engulfed in flames after a couch was deliberately set on fire against the building.
They were transported to hospital in critical condition. The male was eventually upgraded to stable condition but sustained life-altering injuries, however the female remained in critical condition.
The Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation, it was later determined he was also involved in a robbery before the townhouse fire and three additional arsons after the townhouse fire.
Synopsis:
At approximately 3:00 a.m., (June 26) the accused 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.
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 male, Izak SARARAS was arrested and turned over to the Major Crimes Unit, and charged with the following offences:
- Arson with Disregard for Human Life x 2
- Arson Causing Damage to Property x 4
- Robbery
He was detained in custody.
On June 30, the female victim, Nirmaljeet KAUR, passed away. Family notifications were made.
On July 2, a charge of Manslaughter was authorized and SARARAS was arrested on the strength of a warrant while he was in custody. He 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.