Bhadrak: A one-sided love affair took an ugly turn when a man set ablaze a 19-year-old girl at Basudebpur in Bhadrak district on Wednesday night.
The girl sustained around 70 per cent burns and her condition is stated to be critical.
The accused has been identified as Siddharth Mallick. He fled the spot soon after and is absconding.
According to sources, the incident took place when the girl was on her way back home. The accused blocked her way and proposed her marriage. When she declined, he poured petrol on her and set her on fire.
Hearing her scream, locals rushed to the spot and took her to a nearby hospital. Later, she was shifted to the Bhadrak hospital as her condition deteriorated.
On being informed, police reached the hospital and recorded the girl’s statement.
