Bhubaneswar: A woman and her daughter were burnt alive as a fire broke out at on the upper floor of a residential building in Maneswar Hatpada under Sadar police limits in Sambalpur district late Tuesday night.
The deceased have been identified as 90-year-old woman Snehalata Dixit, and her 62-year-old daughter Sairendri.
As per reports, the mother-daughter duo screamed for help when the upper floor caught fire. Locals immediately informed the police and fire department. Firefighters rushed to the scene, controlled the blaze, and rescued the trapped women. Unfortunately, by the time they were pulled out, both had suffered severe burns and succumbed to their injuries.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Foul play is suspected to be the reason behind the mishap. Surprisingly, the lower floor of the building was found to be unaffected by the fire, adding to the mystery.
Police meanwhile initiated an investigation to determine whether the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit or something more sinister. Police are also probing the family’s background, including the whereabouts of other family members and their relationships with the deceased.
