Bhubaneswar: A woman was detained on Tuesday for allegedly setting four vehicles on fire near the Orissa High Court at Chandini Chowk in Cuttack district.
The accused has been identified as Minati Sahoo, a resident of Biridi in Jagatsinghpur district.
According to ACP Zone-III Ananya Awasthi, police received information that some vehicles parked near the High Court boundary were ablaze.
“The fire team reached the spot immediately. Initially, it was suspected that an electric vehicle (EV) battery might have overheated. However, after investigation, it was found that Sahoo deliberately set the vehicles on fire,” Awasthi said.
The ACP added that the accused stated she wanted to meet the Prime Minister and, when she could not, resorted to this act.
“Prima facie, she appears to be mentally disturbed. Further investigation is underway. The woman is now in police custody and will face legal action as per the law,” Awasthi said.
A video circulating on social media shows Minati allegedly throwing a flammable substance, believed to be petrol, which hit a wall and fell to the ground. The fire spread to multiple vehicles parked nearby. Police are also investigating the person who recorded the video.
The incident completely destroyed an EV and two scooters, while an SUV sustained approximately 60% fire damage. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
