A police constable posted with the Odisha Motor Vehicles Department at Chhatrapur sustained nearly 75% burn injuries after allegedly being set ablaze by his wife and brother-in-law.
The victim, identified as 31-year-old Ashutosh Mrudangia, accused his wife Sandhya Nayak and her brother of pouring petrol on him before igniting the fire. His mother filed an attempt-to-murder complaint against them, demanding strict action. Police recorded Ashutosh’s statement in the presence of doctors at MKCG Medical College and Hospital.
Ashutosh was initially admitted to MKCG in Berhampur but was later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar as his condition remained critical. Reports confirmed that Ashutosh and Sandhya had a love marriage in February 2025. However, Sandhya had earlier lodged a dowry harassment and attempted murder complaint against him, leading to his arrest on May 18. He was suspended from service and released on bail just three days before the incident.
On Friday night, Ashutosh visited Sandhya’s quarters. Shortly after, he was seen running down the staircase engulfed in flames. In desperation, he entered the residence of Havildar Gopal Nayak, who sustained burn injuries on his hands while trying to help.
Police and a scientific team examined the crime scene at Biju Patnaik Nagar police quarters in Bhubaneswar. Investigators seized combustible materials and are probing multiple angles. Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M visited the site and met the injured constable at the hospital. Based on a complaint lodged by Ashutosh’s sister, Town police registered Case No. 247/26 and launched a detailed investigation.
