A man from Raghunathpur allegedly set his in-laws’ house ablaze in Naupada under Suliapada police limits around 2:30 am on Tuesday, leaving his father-in-law critically injured.
The accused, identified as Sikandar, had reportedly assaulted and blackmailed his wife. Unable to bear the abuse, she returned to her parents’ home. Her family tried to resolve the dispute with help from local elders, but Sikandar continued his violent behaviour.
Victim Sohana Bibi, Sikandar’s mother-in-law, stated that he arrived at their house while the family was asleep and poured petrol from outside before igniting the fire. She said this was his second attempt, as he had earlier set fire to a clothesline outside the house.
Sohana’s husband sustained severe burns and remains in critical condition. She also suffered injuries on her hand while rescuing her children from the flames.
The family accused police of negligence, claiming officers asked local residents to detain Sikandar instead of taking immediate action. The accused fled the scene and remains at large.
Police have launched an investigation to trace Sikandar and verify the extent of the damage. The incident has sparked outrage in the locality, with residents demanding strict action against the accused and accountability for alleged police inaction.
