Cuttack: Kandarpur Police Tuesday registered a murder case against a woman after her step-daughter died of serious burn injuries while undergoing treatment here Monday night.
Swayang Pragnya Pradhan alias Swarna (17) was rescued in a critical condition from her home at Athanga village Monday evening and was rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital. However, she succumbed to her injuries.
The deceased’s maternal uncle, Niranjan Beura, a resident of Laxminarayanpur in Kandarpur police limits, Tuesday lodged a complaint alleging her niece was burnt to death by her step-mother. On the basis of the complaint, the police registered a murder case and launched a probe.
According to sources, the minor girl had lost her mother 13 years ago following which her father, Sankarsan Pradhan, remarried Banita. It was alleged that she used to torture the minor girl regularly.
Swarna was at her home Monday evening when her step-mother allegedly poured kerosene on her and set her on fire. She was rushed to SCB in a critical condition, but could not be saved. Her step-mother tried to present it as a suicide, alleged the deceased’s uncle.
ACP Nimai Charan Sethi visited Athanga village Tuesday and recorded statements of some villagers. A forensic team also visited the house of the deceased Wednesday morning and examined the spot. The prime suspect, the deceased’s step-mother, is absconding, police said.