Dhenkanal: In a horrific incident, a four-month pregnant woman was brutally assaulted and subsequently charred to death at Tangar Sahi under Nihalprasad police limits in the district Wednesday. The victim was identified as Sumitra Sahu (26). The accused were Sumitra’s husband Kailash Sahu, mother-in-law Mataji Sahu and brother-in-law Prakash Sahu.
On learning the incident, police detained the deceased’s husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law for interrogation. Sources said the three were later arrested after interrogations while other accused involved in the case were at large.
Sumitra, daughter of Nityanand Sahu of Bhagatpur village under Dharmasala police limits in Jajpur district, was married to Kailash Sahu two years ago. All dowry demands were met during the marriage. However, soon after marriage Kailash began demanding more dowry. He forced Sumitra to leave his house after she expressed inability to meet his demands. Availing no options, Sumitra stayed at Kailash’s house and suffered torture.
Locals alleged that the accused continued to torture Sumitra both mentally and physically even after she was pregnant. He made her do all the work at home single-handedly and allegedly threatened her to abort the child. However, Sumitra refrained from aborting the child.
In a fit of rage, Kailash along with family members planned to eliminate Sumitra. As per a plan, they attacked Sumitra while she was performing puja in the wee hours Wednesday. Later, they took her to the kitchen and tried to set her on fire after releasing cooking gas. Fearing that the gas cylinder might blow up, one of the accused brought a kerosene bottle and poured it on Sumitra. Then, they set her on fire, locals alleged.
Neighbours rushed to the house when they saw fire rising from the house and spotted Sumitra burning. They tried to rescue her but in vain. By then, Sumitra was already dead, locals said.
The incident spread outrage in the village. Police reached the village and brought the situation under control.
The body was recovered and was sent for post-mortem. A case was registered and further
investigation was on. PNN