Divyang Woman Escapes Blaze, Alleges In-Laws’ Murder Attempt in Dhenkanal

Parjang: A 20-year-old divyang woman, allegedly abandoned by her husband after a love marriage, narrowly escaped a fire that gutted the house she was staying in at Basantpada village under Parjang police limits in Dhenkanal district late Monday night.

The victim, identified as Laxmipriya Behera of Kusumi village, had married Subrat Sahoo (22) of Basantpada in a temple in April this year. However, their marriage reportedly faced stiff opposition from Subrat’s family members, including his mother Soubhagini Sahoo, brother Sanatan Sahoo, sister-in-law, and sister.

Following alleged harassment by her in-laws, Laxmipriya lodged a complaint with Parjang police on September 25 and was later shifted to Sakhi – One Stop Centre for her safety. Still hopeful of reconciling with her husband, she left the shelter home and had been living on the veranda of her in-laws’ house for the past 20 days.

According to reports, her in-laws had recently vacated the house. On Monday night, amid Diwali celebrations in the village, Laxmipriya went inside the house to sleep when the structure suddenly caught fire. She alleged that her sister-in-law’s husband, Shakti Samal, intentionally set the house ablaze.

“Earlier, my in-laws had tried to kill me by pouring kerosene. Last night, Shakti was seen roaming near the house multiple times. He set it on fire while I was asleep. I was rescued by my neighbour, Nityananda Sahoo,” Laxmipriya claimed.

The Parjang Fire Service team rushed to the spot and doused the flames. Laxmipriya was rescued and admitted to hospital in a 108 ambulance, confirmed Bapi Mohanty, the village president.

The victim alleged that despite her repeated complaints, police have not taken any concrete action. “My husband has been living outside Odisha, and I am still waiting for justice,” she said, breaking down in tears.

Police have begun an investigation into the incident, and further inquiry is underway.