Pattamundai (Kendrapara): “Everything will be probed. I will record the statement of the deceased’s father. Action will be taken immediately. No one will be spared,” assured Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria, speaking to reporters following the tragic death of a young woman in Kathiapada village under the Pattamundai Rural police station.
The SP, who met the grieving family, said the victim was already engulfed in flames when her father broke open the door in a desperate attempt to save her. Despite their efforts, she could not be rescued in time.
The final-year Plus-3 student was allegedly burnt alive inside her home. A police scientific team has reached the site, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was a case of suicide or homicide.
The SP emphasized that the truth will emerge through a fair probe and that no one, including police personnel, will be spared if found guilty.
Earlier in the day, taking serious note of the incident, the Director General of Police (DGP) intervened directly and instructed the Kendrapara Superintendent of Police (SP) to visit the site without delay. The SP was directed to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a report at the earliest.
According to a written complaint filed by the victim’s father, his daughter had been blackmailed by a male friend using obscene photos and videos. He also claimed to have filed a complaint at the same police station six months ago, which is now under review.
This tragic case has intensified public concern, coming close on the heels of similar incidents in Balasore and Puri districts, where two other young women lost their lives in self-immolation cases under distressing circumstances.
