A 26-year-old Odisha woman suffered 40% burns after her house was allegedly set on fire by a man whose marriage proposal she had rejected, police said
A 26-year-old woman from Sundargarh district, Odisha, is battling for her life after a man allegedly poured petrol into her house and set it ablaze following the rejection of his advances. Police have arrested the accused and launched a detailed investigation into the attempted murder.
Rourkela: A 26-year-old woman sustained critical burn injuries after her house was allegedly set on fire by a man whose romantic advances she had repeatedly rejected, police said. The shocking incident took place in Jaratola village under Bisra block in Odisha's Sundargarh district late on Friday night.
According to police, the accused, who had allegedly been pursuing the woman for a considerable period, was enraged after she refused to enter into a relationship with him. Investigators believe the attack was triggered by the rejection, though a detailed probe into the motive is still underway.
Odisha Woman Burned in Alleged Revenge Attack Over Rejected Proposal
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the accused had persistently attempted to establish a relationship with the woman. However, after his proposal was repeatedly turned down, he allegedly planned the attack in retaliation.
Late on Friday night, while the woman was asleep inside her home, the accused allegedly reached the residence carrying petrol. Police said he poured the fuel into the house through a window before setting it on fire and fleeing the scene.
Within minutes, the flames rapidly spread through the room, trapping the woman inside as the fire engulfed the house.
"The accused allegedly poured petrol into the house through a window before setting the residence on fire while the woman was asleep," police said.
Woman Suffers 40% Burns, Remains in Critical Condition
The victim's desperate cries for help alerted nearby residents, who rushed to the scene immediately. Local villagers managed to bring the fire under control and rescued the woman from the burning house before shifting her to a private hospital in Rourkela for emergency treatment.
Doctors treating the victim confirmed that she sustained approximately 40 per cent burn injuries. Her condition remains critical, and she is currently under constant medical observation.
Hospital authorities are continuing intensive treatment as doctors monitor her condition closely.
"The victim sustained nearly 40 per cent burn injuries and remains in critical condition under continuous medical supervision," doctors said.
Police Arrest Accused, Investigation Underway
Following information about the incident, police teams, accompanied by forensic experts, reached the spot to examine the crime scene. Officials conducted a detailed inspection and collected forensic evidence to aid the investigation.
Based on preliminary findings, investigators identified the suspect and arrested him. Police said the accused remains in custody and will be produced before the court as legal proceedings move forward.
Authorities stated that further action will depend on the forensic examination, witness statements and additional evidence gathered during the investigation.
Police Probe Exact Motive Behind Odisha House Fire Case
Police believe the incident appears to be a case of violence arising from unrequited love. However, officials stressed that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly investigated before reaching a final conclusion regarding the motive.
Investigators are also examining the sequence of events leading to the attack and whether the accused had made any previous threats to the victim.
As the investigation continues, the victim remains hospitalised and is fighting for her life, while the accused faces legal action in connection with the alleged attack.
