Sundargarh/Lephripada: In a shocking incident, a person attempted to set two women on fire late Thursday night at Darlipalli under Bhasma police limits in Sundargarh district. The two women are reportedly battling for their life at the district headquarters hospital.
The accused doused petrol on them while they were sleeping in their house and set them afire. The women were later rescued with grievous burns and were admitted to the district headquarters hospital. As their condition was critical, they were shifted to VSS Institute of Medical Science and Research in Burla. The victims were identified as Anamika Khati (35) and her sister Pinki Khati (18).
Sadar SDPO Prashant Kumar Mohanty along with Town police rushed to the hospital where they recorded the statements of the burn victims.
The women said Anamika’s husband Dillip Khati (a native of Tareikela under Kolabira police limits in Jharsuguda district) works in Goa for the last two years. The couple has three children. They were staying at Darlipalli along with Pinki on rent and were working as daily wagers.
Jayram Mahanda, a local resident, was working with them.
During Diwali, Jayram had allegedly assaulted Anamika. Following the incident, the house owner had driven Jayram out of the house.
He was staying elsewhere ever since.
Thursday midnight, Jayram stormed into the house and sprayed petrol on the women and set them ablaze before vanishing from the spot.
As they screamed for help, neighbours rescued them and admitted them to the local hospital. Police registered a case and intensified a manhunt for the accused. The SDPO said the exact reason behind the incident will be known after an investigation. PNN