Pattamundai: In a deeply disturbing incident, an attempt was allegedly made to burn a woman and her infant daughter alive in Damarpur village under Pattamundai Rural police station limits in Kendrapara district, reportedly because the woman gave birth to a girl child.
According to preliminary information, the incident took place late on Thursday night. The victim, identified as Susmita Das, was asleep inside her house when her father-in-law allegedly brought one litre of petrol from the village square, poured it on the bed, and set it on fire.
The sudden blaze engulfed the room, destroying all household belongings. However, Susmita managed to escape in time along with her infant daughter. Both narrowly survived the attack and spent the remainder of the night outside the house to save their lives.
Susmita, a native of Nishchinta Koili Balipada village, had married Susanta Ray of Damarpur village eight years ago. Susanta has two daughters from his first marriage. After Susmita gave birth to a daughter, she was allegedly subjected to continuous physical and mental harassment by her husband, mother-in-law, and father-in-law, sources said.
The incident has sparked shock and outrage in the locality, highlighting the continued menace of gender-based violence and deep-rooted bias against the birth of girl children.
Police are expected to investigate the matter, and further action will be taken based on the victim’s statement and available evidence.
