Dhenkanal: A man and his son allegedly attempted to commit suicide outside the Dhenkanal District Police Office on Friday, accusing local police of inaction and bias in a land dispute case.
The duo, identified as Padmanabha Rout and his son Saroj Rout of Ranipal village under Bhapur Police Station limits in Dhenkanal district, reportedly poured petrol on themselves while proceeding towards the district police office. Alert police personnel intervened in time, preventing the incident and safely apprehending both individuals.
Police seized a bottle containing petrol from their possession and immediately shifted them to the District Headquarters Hospital for medical examination. Hospital sources said both are out of danger.
According to family members, the Routs have been involved in a dispute with relatives over ancestral property. A case related to the matter is currently pending at Bhapur Police Station. The father and son alleged that despite repeated complaints, the local police were not acting on their grievances and were showing partiality in the case.
Saroj Rout’s mother claimed that the family decided to approach the office of the Superintendent of Police after failing to obtain justice and had intended to take the extreme step in protest.
Responding to the incident, Dhenkanal Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar said the complaints raised by the family would be heard and examined. He assured that a proper inquiry would be conducted and appropriate action taken based on the findings.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.
