Berhampur: A shocking incident of domestic violence took a major turn after a 31-year-old constable with the Odisha Motor Vehicle Department (OMVD), currently battling for his life with 80% burn injuries, accused his wife and brother-in-law of setting him on fire.
The victim, identified as Asutosh Mrudungia, was rescued in a severely burnt condition around 9:30 pm on June 5, near the F-Type Police Quarters at Bijipur Square, under Berhampur Town police limits. While initial reports suggested a case of self-immolation, the investigation shifted dramatically following the victim’s official statement.
The Victim’s Account
On Sunday, June 7, Berhampur police reached AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where Asutosh was transferred due to his critical condition, to record his statement in the presence of an executive magistrate.
According to his statement, Asutosh had gone to the government quarters of his wife, Sandhya Nayak (32), a police constable posted at the Ganjam district police headquarters. An altercation ensued, during which Sandhya and her brother, Dibas Nayak, allegedly doused him in petrol.
“While I was trying to escape, Dibas lit a matchstick. I was suddenly engulfed in flames. “I rushed out of the house and entered another person’s residence. They threw a bucket of water on me and doused the flames. After that, I collapsed. An ambulance later rescued me,” Asutosh claimed.
According to police, Asutosh was seen running down the staircase engulfed in fire before entering the home of Havildar Gopal Nayak in a desperate bid for survival. While attempting a rescue, Nayak reportedly suffered burn injuries to his hands. Asutosh was initially rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
History of Marital Discord
The investigation has thrown light on a turbulent timeline of marital conflict between the couple, who have been married for just over a year.
According to police records, the relationship was marred by allegations of Asutosh’s alcoholism and dowry harassment.
May 18: Sandhya lodged a domestic assault complaint against Asutosh after he allegedly physically attacked her. Asutosh was subsequently arrested and sent to jail custody.
May 23: Sandhya, who was three months pregnant at the time of the assault, tragically suffered a miscarriage.
June 2: Asutosh was released on bail, after which he visited his wife’s quarters on June 5, leading to the near-fatal incident.
Police Launch Investigation
Following a formal complaint lodged by Asutosh’s sister, Nibedita Patra (Devi), the Berhampur Town Police have registered an attempted murder case against Sandhya and Dibas Nayak under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M stated that a scientific team was deployed to examine the crime scene. Investigators have seized key forensic evidence, including: a burnt and molten plastic bottle (suspected to have held fuel), a matchbox, Asutosh’s motorcycle and a partially burnt mobile phone and mobile phones of both accused for forensic analysis.
Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M emphasised that police are looking into the case from all possible angles. Both Sandhya and her brother are currently cooperating with law enforcement. “Assistance from the Crime Branch may be sought if required,” the SP said, adding that “polygraph tests of Sandhya and her brother could be considered if investigators deem it necessary to verify the authenticity of their statements”.
Inspector Ramsubramanyam Pradhan is conducting the probe under the direct supervision of Town SDPO and DSP Priyas Ranjan Chhotray, he added.
