Bhubaneswar: In a shocking incident, a couple sustained severe burns after miscreants broke into their house and set them on fire while they were asleep in Balasore district.
The incident took place at Chakrada village under Basta police station. The victims have been identified as Bijay Behera and his wife Aarti Behera. Both are in critical condition. Aarti Behera has suffered around 70 per cent burns.
According to reports, the couple had gone to sleep after dinner on Tuesday night. In the late hours, some miscreants forcibly entered the house by breaking the door, poured petrol on the bed where they were sleeping, and set it ablaze before fleeing the spot.
Hearing the couple’s screams, neighbours rushed in, broke open the door, and rescued them. The couple was first rushed to Basta Community Health Centre and later shifted to AIIMS Hospital in Balasore, due to the seriousness of their injuries.
Family members suspect the attack was revengeful. They alleged that their son Papu was in a relationship with a girl from Badadhanadi village under Sadar block and the couple had eloped. They believe the girl’s family members may be behind this brutal incident.
Basta police have reached the spot and launched an investigation. Further details are awaited.
