Talabasta/Banki: A youth reportedly attempted suicide by setting himself on fire near a park of Tarini temple under Bilipada panchayat in Dampada block of Cuttack district Saturday.
The man was identified as Soumya Ranjan Barik, 28, of Talabasta panchayat under Banki police limits. He was rescued in critical condition and first taken to Banki Sub-Divisional Hospital before being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
A relative said his condition was stable. Police suspect the incident may be linked to a love affair. According to eyewitnesses, Soumya arrived on a motorcycle at around 11 am and met a woman from the same village near the park.
After a brief conversation, an argument broke out between them. During the altercation, he allegedly poured petrol on his body and set himself ablaze. The woman rescued him and rushed him to Banki Sub-Divisional Hospital on her scooter.
Attending physician Dr Markandeya Acharya said Soumya sustained about 36 per cent burn injuries. After preliminary treatment, he was referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as his condition was critical. Informed, Banki IIC Dilip Kumar Bhuyan and SDPO Balakrishna Kuanr reached the spot and launched an investigation.
Locals, requesting anonymity, said the two were in a relationship but belonged to different castes, which had become a barrier to their marriage. He might have taken the extreme step after facing obstruction to their marriage, they said.
Police said the exact cause of the incident will be known after further investigation.