Bhubaneswar: A devastating fire incident in Sanapadar village under Begunia police station limits in Khordha district claimed the lives of a father and his disabled son early Sunday morning.
The victims were identified as Rajesh Kumar Sahu (57), owner of a grocery and tea shop, and his 27-year-old son Laxmidhar Sahu. The duo reportedly slept inside the shop overnight, as was their routine.
Family members grew concerned when the shop remained closed longer than usual. Upon forcing open the locked door from inside, they discovered the father and son lying in semi-burnt condition amid the flames. Both succumbed to the blaze.
Preliminary investigations point to an electrical short circuit as the likely cause, believed to have occurred late Saturday night. The shop was completely gutted in the incident. Upon receiving information, Begunia police, along with the fire brigade and Bolgarh tehsildar, rushed to the spot.
The asbestos roof was dismantled to access the site, bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem, and the scene was secured for detailed probe.
Police and fire brigade teams are examining electrical installations and other possible factors to confirm the exact cause and prevent similar mishaps.
