Sundaragada: A youth suffered around 80 per cent burns after being allegedly set on fire by four masked men at a village in Lahunipada area of Odisha’s Sundaragada district on Saturday.
According to preliminary information, the gruesome incident took place at Ganighasa village under the jurisdiction of Lahunipada police station in the district in the morning.
The youth, identified as Kanhu Charan Mahanta, was initially rushed to the Lahunipada Community Health Centre (CHC) and later shifted to a hospital in Rourkela as his condition was critical.
Sources said Mahanta was on his way to a nearby drain when four masked men allegedly intercepted him, overpowered him, poured petrol over his body and set him on fire. Hearing his cries for help, locals rushed to the spot and the accused reportedly fled on a motorcycle.
Villagers and family members rescued Mahanta and took him to the Lahunipada CHC. Doctors later referred him to Rourkela.
Family members of the victim alleged that the attack was linked to a land dispute and an RTI application filed by Mahanta. According to the family, Mahanta had alleged that a petrol pump had been leased on his land without his permission.
They claimed that Mahanta had approached several authorities, including the District Magistrate, Lahunipada Tehsildar, police and the CM Grievance Cell, over the issue. He subsequently filed an RTI application, they alleged.
Mahanta’s father and sister-in-law have alleged that the attack was carried out in retaliation to the RTI application. Police, however, are yet to establish the motive behind the incident.
Lahunipada police have launched an investigation and are examining the circumstances that led to the attack. Matchsticks, empty bottles and slippers were reportedly recovered from the spot.
Police are also probing the identities and whereabouts of the alleged attackers. Investigation is in progress.