Bargarh/Bheden: A woman was allegedly burnt to death by her husband and in-laws over alleged dowry demands at Saharatikra village under Bheden police limits in Bargarh district Tuesday.
The incident spread outrage among locals who placed the body in front of Bargarh SP’s office and staged a demonstration. Bargarh SDPO Suresh Kumar Nayak, DSP Nagendra Nayak, Bargarh MLA Debesh Acharya, block chairman Prasant Kumar Behera reached the spot and pacified the mob.
The agitators relented after the deceased’s husband Raja alias Rajesh Nayak was arrested and produced in court. He was remanded in Bargarh sub-jail after the court rejected his bail plea. Similarly, Raja’s parents were detained for interrogation.
Raja, son of Adikanand Nayak of Saharatikra had married to Bijaylaxmi Swain, daughter of Kashinath Swain. All dowry demands were met during the marriage. Raja’s in-laws had even presented him a house after they demanded more dowry.
However, Raja and his family members demanded dowry and tortured Bijaylaxmi. Frustrated, the woman along with her four-year-old son left her husband’s home and had been living with her parents.
Later, the matter was amicably solved in a family court after which Bijaylaxmi again went to stay with her husband. However, neighbours spotted her burning in fire and rescued her. She was rushed to Burla-based VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) where she succumbed to injuries.
Failing to get a satisfactory answer from Raja and his parents, Bijaylaxmi’s family members accused them of setting their daughter on fire and lodged a complaint with Bheden police after which the arrest was made.