Couple Set Ablaze While Asleep in Balasore, Both Critical

Bhubaneswar: In a horrifying incident, a couple sustained severe burn injuries after unidentified miscreants allegedly broke into their house and set them on fire while they were asleep in Odisha’s Balasore district.

The incident occurred at Chakrada village under Basta police limits. The victims have been identified as Bijay Behera and his wife Aarti Behera. Both are undergoing treatment in critical condition, with Aarti reportedly suffering nearly 70 per cent burn injuries.

According to sources, the couple had gone to bed after dinner on Tuesday night when some unidentified persons allegedly forced their way into the house by breaking open the door. The attackers reportedly poured petrol on the bed and set it on fire before fleeing from the spot.

Hearing their screams, neighbours rushed to the house, broke open the door, and rescued the couple. They were initially taken to Basta Community Health Centre and later shifted to AIIMS Hospital in Balasore as their condition deteriorated.

Family members suspect the attack could be linked to a past relationship issue involving the couple’s son Papu, who was reportedly in a relationship with a girl from Badadhanadi village under Sadar block. The two had allegedly eloped recently, and the family suspects the girl’s relatives may have carried out the attack in retaliation.

Police have reached the spot and launched an investigation into the incident. Further details are awaited.