Jharsuguda: A 28-year-old widow was allegedly set afire by her father-in-law over a property dispute at Bhalupatra village under Laikera police limits in Jharsuguda district.
The matter came to the fore after the victim’s family members lodged a written complaint with Laikera police station in this regard Saturday.
The deceased woman has been identified as Rukmini Rohidas, wife of Sukharam Rohidas. The accused has been identified as Banamali Rohidas.
Sources said, Rukmini, a native of Sambalpur, had married Sukharam Rohidas, son of Banamali Rohidas, a few years back. The couple has a four-year-old son. However, after a brief ailment, Sukharam passed away four months back, leaving behind his widowed wife with her son.
Following Sukharam’s death, Rukmini’s father-in-law tried to possess all the landed property that was in the name of his son. However, keeping the future of her son in mind, Rukmini did not allow Banamali to deprive the property which should have been inherited by her son in course of time lawfully. This led to frequent quarrels in the family.
On many occasions, Banamali is reported to have tried to drive her away from their house, but in vain.
On the fateful night, Banamali started a verbal duel with Rukmini over their property matters. In a fit of rage, he set Rukmini on fire after pouring kerosene on her, locals alleged.
Hearing her scream, her family members and neighbours intervened and rescued her and rushed her to Jharsuguda district headquarters hospital (DHH) in a critical condition.
The Jharsuguda police in the presence of top officials recorded the victim’s statement, in which Rukmini accused Banamali of setting her afire. She later died while undergoing treatment at around 10pm late in the night.
Acting on the complaint lodged by Rukmini’s family, the police began an investigation into the incident.
PNN