In a heartbreaking incident in the state capital, a young man lost his life after setting himself on fire, unable to bear extreme mental agony over an unreturned loan of Rs 7 lakh.
The deceased has been identified as Ashwini Kumar Tandia, a resident of the Mahabir Basti area in Bhubaneswar.
According to reports, Ashwini had lent a sum of Rs 7 lakh to two individuals identified as Ashish Das and Prabhas Panda. Despite Ashwini repeatedly requesting the return of his money, the duo allegedly kept delaying the payment with excuses and cheated him continuously.
Trapped under severe mental stress and financial distress, Ashwini made the extreme decision to immolate himself after failing once again to recover his money. Local residents and family members rushed him to a nearby hospital in critical condition. As his health rapidly deteriorated, he was immediately transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced emergency care.
However, despite medical intervention, Ashwini succumbed to his severe burn injuries while undergoing treatment.
On receiving information about the tragic incident, the Chandrasekharpur Police rushed to the scene and initiated a preliminary investigation. Police have seized the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination.
Investigators confirmed that a detailed inquiry into the allegations of fraud and harassment is underway. Further legal action will be taken based on the post-mortem report and preliminary interrogation outcomes.
