Lahunipada/Banai: Two masked men allegedly poured petrol on a 35-year-old man and set him ablaze over a land dispute in Ganighasa village under Lahunipada police limits in Sundaragada district in the early hours of Saturday, police said.
The victim was identified as Kahnu Charan Mohanta of the village. Police said Mohanta was on his way to a nearby stream to relieve himself when the assailants arrived on a motorcycle and allegedly poured petrol on him before setting him ablaze.
The attackers fled the scene after the incident, which sparked shockwaves in the area. Family members and local residents rescued Mohanta and rushed him to Lahunipada hospital. He suffered burns over about 80 per cent of his body and was in critical condition.
After providing primary treatment, doctors referred him to a hospital in Raurkela for further treatment. Mohanta’s family alleged that the attack was linked to a longstanding land dispute and previous enmity.
The Additional Superintendent of Police reached the spot along with police personnel and conducted an investigation. Lahunipada police rounded up some suspects and questioned them in connection with the incident.
