Woman Detained for Setting Vehicles on Fire Near Orissa High Court

Bhubaneswar: A woman was detained on Tuesday for allegedly setting four vehicles on fire near the Orissa High Court at Chandini Chowk in Cuttack district.

The accused has been identified as Minati Sahoo, a resident of Biridi in Jagatsinghpur district.

According to ACP Zone-III Ananya Awasthi, police received information about vehicles parked near the High Court boundary being on fire. Fire personnel rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

“Initially, it was suspected that an electric vehicle battery might have overheated. However, investigation revealed that the accused deliberately set the vehicles on fire,” Awasthi said.

Police said the accused claimed she wanted to meet the Prime Minister and resorted to the act after being unable to do so. “Prima facie, she appears to be mentally disturbed. Further investigation is underway,” the ACP added.

A video circulating on social media shows the accused allegedly throwing a flammable substance, believed to be petrol, which hit a wall before spreading to nearby vehicles. Police are also investigating the person who recorded the video.

In the incident, one electric vehicle and two scooters were completely gutted, while an SUV sustained around 60 percent damage. No casualties were reported.