Jajpur: In a shocking incident, a minor boy allegedly attempted self-immolation at his home in Samarpita village under Tamaka police limits here by pouring kerosene on himself.
He was rescued by his mother and neighbours and was rushed to the nearby Daangadi Hospital. After first aid, the doctors referred him to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack as his condition was serious.
The boy’s uncle Tukuna Behera said, “My nephew is studying in Aurobindo School (Dahinigadia) and his father was supposed to take him back to school hostel post Dussehra holidays at 4pm today. But, he did not want to go back.”
“When his father was out for work, and his mother had gone to the nearby pond to wash clothes, he set himself on fire. We assume that he might have done it to evade school,” he added.
Geetanjali Behera, his mother was inconsolable. “Everything was smooth at home. I had served him food and even packed his bags. He wanted to go for the puja and have ‘prasad’ before leaving for hostel and we had even agreed upon it. I just don’t know why he took such a drastic step.”
The local police have registered a case in this matter and investigating further.
