Woman Suffers 70% Burns in Alleged One-Sided Love Attack in Odisha; Accused Arrested

Sundargarh: A 22-year-old woman is battling for her life after she was allegedly set on fire by a man whose marriage proposal she had repeatedly turned down in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. Police have arrested the accused, identified as Rajat Kiro, in connection with the shocking incident.

The attack took place late on Friday night in Santoshpur village under the jurisdiction of Bisra police station. According to police, the woman was asleep alone in her house when the accused allegedly poured petrol into the room through an open window before setting it ablaze and fleeing the scene.

The victim reportedly woke up only after flames had engulfed the room. Trapped inside, she sustained nearly 70 per cent burn injuries while household belongings were also destroyed in the fire.

Her cries for help alerted family members and nearby residents, who rushed to rescue her and shifted her to Rourkela Government Hospital. As her condition deteriorated, doctors referred her to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla for advanced treatment.

However, the victim’s family alleged that despite reaching the hospital early in the morning, they were unable to secure a bed. They claimed that repeated appeals to hospital authorities did not yield any response, forcing them to return to Rourkela. The woman was eventually admitted to JP Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment in critical condition.

The family further alleged that the delay in admission left the victim waiting in an ambulance for over 12 hours without receiving proper medical care.

Police have recorded the woman’s statement and launched a detailed investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that the accused had been persistently pursuing the victim despite her repeated rejection of his marriage proposal. Investigators believe the attack may have been carried out after she once again refused his advances, though they are also examining whether any other motive was involved.

Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s family, Bisra police registered a case and arrested Rajat Kiro. The victim’s parents have demanded stringent action against the accused, while police said the investigation is continuing.