Angul: Police Thursday arrested a couple on charge of a suicide bid during Republic Day parade in Angul stadium here in the district. They were identified as Santosh Dehuri (45) and his wife Ranjita Dehuri (38).
According to police, Santosh had a long standing dispute over land with his brothers. It was tough for the couple to run the family as Santosh’s brothers had taken hold of all the land and paddy fields. The couple had lodged a written complaint but the cases were pending in the court.
The couple was shattered after being forced to run from pillar to post. On several occasions, they have written letters to the Chief Minister, Governor and President to intervene and grant them justice. However, no one gave heed to their plight.
Availing no option, they decided to take the extreme step during the Republic Day parade. The couple along with their two minor daughters doused themselves with kerosene and tried to immolate themselves while minister Debiprasad Mishra was hoisting the national flag.
Meanwhile, police rescued the family and snatched away the kerosene and the match box. They were sent for a medical examination to the district headquarters hospital.
The two minor girls were let off while the couple was produced in court. Later, they were remanded in judicial custody after the court rejected their bail pleas. PNN
