A woman from Ankarantipur village under Dhenkanal’s Sadar police station jurisdiction attempted self-immolation outside the Superintendent of Police (SP) office on Saturday evening, citing frustration over the lack of justice from local police stations.
The woman was allegedly driven to this extreme act after enduring mental harassment from her brother-in-law and receiving no resolution despite repeated complaints to both the Sadar and Town police stations.
According to sources, the woman had been seeking action against her brother-in-law for mental torture but was shuffled between the two police stations, with each redirecting her to the other. Frustrated by the lack of progress, she arrived at the SP office with fuel, intending to set herself ablaze. Alert police personnel intervened swiftly, subduing her and seizing the flammable materials, preventing a tragedy. The woman sustained no injuries but was visibly distraught.
Dhenkanal SP Abhinav Sonkar has taken the matter seriously, summoning officers from both Sadar and Town police stations for questioning. A thorough investigation is underway to address the allegations of police inaction and the woman’s grievances. “We are committed to ensuring justice and will take strict action against any lapses found,” SP Sonkar stated.
The woman is currently under police supervision, and authorities are providing counselling to address her distress. The investigation’s outcome is expected to shed light on the lapses that led to this drastic step, with locals demanding accountability from the police administration.
