Puri man pours petrol on wife, sets her ablaze over family dispute

A woman sustained critical burn injuries after her husband allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze following a domestic dispute in Puri on Wednesday night under the Kumbharpada police station area.

The victim, Sarojini Mallik, suffered nearly 80% burns and was initially rushed to Puri District Headquarters Hospital. She was later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.The incident reportedly occurred around 8 pm. Neighbours, alerted by Sarojini’s screams, rushed to the spot and rescued her from the flames.

Police have detained her husband, Monti Mallik, for questioning. Locals alleged that the couple had argued over money Sarojini received under the Subhadra scheme during Raksha Bandhan. They also claimed kerosene was used, though police have not confirmed the allegation.

Police sealed the house and called a scientific team to collect forensic evidence. An investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances of the incident. Sarojini remains under treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, with no further update on her condition.