Baripada: A man allegedly set his elderly in-laws on fire following a domestic dispute at Naupada village under Suliapada police limits in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district late last night.
According to sources, the accused, Sheikh Sagir, was at loggerheads with his wife, who had returned to her parents’ house due to family issues and alleged physical assault. The couple had been married for about five years. Sagir had visited the in-laws’ house multiple times to persuade his wife to return and arrived again on Tuesday night.
A heated argument broke out with his in-laws. Following which, he allegedly poured petrol on the elderly couple and set them ablaze before fleeing the scene. Hearing the victims’ screams, neighbours rushed to the spot, doused the flames, and informed police, who then shifted the injured couple to PRM Medical College and Hospital in Baripada. The father-in-law, Sheikh Harun Ali, sustained around 80 per cent burn injuries and is in critical condition, while the mother-in-law, Suhana Bibi, suffered serious burns, particularly on her hands, thighs, and other areas.
Family members claimed Sagir had previously threatened them and once attempted to set their house on fire.
Meanwhile, Shuliapada police have launched a manhunt to track down and apprehend the absconding son-in-law.
