A black Mahindra Thar vehicle caught fire after unknown persons abandoned it near a hill close to Metaguda tribal village under Kalimela police station limits.
Villagers spotted the vehicle speeding through the internal roads of MPV 33 village around 11 pm to 11.30 pm on July 4. They later saw people set the car ablaze near the canal at the end of the village before the culprits fled the spot.
No information has emerged so far about the identity of the persons involved or the exact reason behind burning the new Thar.
Kalimela police station investigating officer Prabhudatta Biswal said the vehicle was likely transporting ganja. He added that the occupants probably set it on fire out of fear of police action and escaped. Police have registered the case and started investigation.
