Man Critical After Being Set Ablaze For Asking Borrower To Repay Money In Odisha’s Kalahandi

Bhawanipatna: A man sustained critical burn injuries after being set ablaze allegedly by a person, who had borrowed money from him, in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Thursday.

Sources said the incident took place at Bhawanipatna after the victim, identified as Anjan Padhy, asked the borrower to repay the money. He has been admitted to hospital in a critical condition.

As per preliminary information, the accused had borrowed Rs two lakh from Padhy some time ago. When Padhy repeatedly asked him to return the money he had borrowed, the accused got angry and hatched a conspiracy to eliminate him.

The accused asked Padhy to meet him at Khariar Road to collect the amount. When Padhy reached the spot, the accused allegedly poured petrol on him and set fire. After committing the crime, the accused reportedly fled the spot.

The victim was rescued by locals and rushed to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) at Bhawanipatna. As he is battling for life in the hospital in a critical condition and his family members are reportedly busy with his treatment, they are yet to lodge complaint with the police, sources said.