Four people sustained serious burn injuries after a man allegedly attempted to set his wife on fire at her parental home in Narayanpur village under Baliapal police limits.
Police identified the accused as Karunakar Kabi of Malatri village, who had been facing marital discord with his wife for several years. Reports indicate that Karunakar subjected his wife to repeated harassment, prompting her to seek legal help and return to her parents’ home.
On Tuesday night, Karunakar allegedly poured petrol on his wife in a bid to kill her. When her parents and brother tried to intervene, he threw petrol on them as well. The victims were rushed to a local health centre and later referred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Balasore due to the severity of their injuries. Hospital sources confirmed that father-in-law Rajendra Samantaray suffered nearly 30% burns.
Local residents overpowered Karunakar and handed him over to the police. Authorities confirmed that the accused is in custody and further investigation is underway.
