Balasore: In a chilling midnight assault, a couple at Chakrada village under Basta police limits in Odisha’s Balasore district was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire while asleep late Tuesday night, leaving both in critical condition.
The wife has sustained around 70% burn injuries.
According to sources, the victims, identified as Bijay Behera and his wife Aarti Behera, had retired for the night after dinner when unidentified miscreants allegedly broke open the door of their house, poured petrol on the bed, and torched it before fleeing the scene.
Neighbours, alerted by the couple’s agonising screams, rushed to the spot and forced open the door to rescue them from the flames. They were first taken to Basta Community Health Centre and later shifted to AIIMS in Balasore due to the severity of their burns. Both remain in critical condition.
Family members have pointed to a possible revenge motive linked to a personal dispute. They claim that their son, Papu, was in a relationship with a girl from Badadhanadi village under the Sadar block. The couple had reportedly eloped, and relatives suspect the girl’s family may be behind the brutal attack.
Basta police have reached the village, inspected the site, and initiated a detailed investigation. No arrests have been reported so far, and further details are awaited.
