A 30-year-old woman sustained severe burn injuries inside her house at Dom Sahi near Kumbharpada police station in Puri district on Wednesday night.
The victim, identified as Sarojini Mallik, suffered nearly 80% burns and was rushed to Puri District Headquarters Hospital in critical condition. As her condition worsened, doctors advised shifting her to Bhubaneswar, where she was taken by ambulance for advanced treatment.
According to locals, the incident occurred around 8 pm. Neighbours heard Sarojini’s screams and rushed to the spot. By then, she was engulfed in flames, her clothes burnt. They rescued her and immediately took her to hospital.
Police have detained her husband, Monti Mallik, for questioning. Allegations suggest the couple argued over money Sarojini received under the Subhadra scheme during Raksha Bandhan. Locals claimed kerosene was poured on her before she was set ablaze, though police have yet to confirm these allegations.
On receiving information, Kumbharpada police visited the hospital to assess her condition, while Talabania police sealed the house and detained Monti. A scientific team has been called to collect forensic evidence. Police have also informed Sarojini’s parental family and launched a probe to ascertain the exact circumstances of the incident.
