Sundaragada: A youth was allegedly set ablaze by four masked men at Ganighasa village under Lahunipara police station limits in Sundaragada district on Saturday morning, leaving him with burn injuries covering around 80% of his body.
The injured youth has been identified as Kanhu Charan Mahanta. He was initially rushed to the Lahunipara Community Health Centre (CHC) and was later shifted to Rourkela Ispat General Hospital (IGH) in view of his critical condition.
According to reports, Mahanta was on his way to a nearby drain to relieve himself when four masked men allegedly intercepted him, overpowered him, poured petrol over his body and set him on fire. Hearing his cries for help, local residents rushed to the spot, following which the accused allegedly fled on a motorcycle.
Villagers and family members rescued Mahanta and took him to the Lahunipara CHC. Doctors later referred him to Rourkela IGH for further treatment.
The victim’s family has alleged that the attack was linked to a land dispute and an RTI application filed by Mahanta. According to the family, Mahanta had alleged that a petrol pump had been leased on his land without his permission.
The family claimed that Mahanta had approached several authorities, including the District Magistrate, Lahunipara Tehsildar, police and the CM Grievance Cell, over the issue. He subsequently filed an RTI application, they alleged.
Mahanta’s father and sister-in-law have alleged that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the RTI application. Police, however, are yet to establish the motive behind the incident.
Lahunipara police have launched an investigation and are examining the circumstances surrounding the attack. Matchsticks, empty bottles and slippers were reportedly recovered from the spot.
Police are also probing the identities and whereabouts of the alleged attackers.
Further details are awaited.
