Puri: A 30-year-old woman suffered severe burn injuries inside her house in Dom Sahi near Kumbharpada police station in Odisha’s Puri district on Wednesday.The injured woman, identified as Sarojini Mallik, suffered burns to nearly 80 per cent of her body. She was initially rushed to Puri District Headquarters Hospital in critical condition. As her condition deteriorated, doctors advised shifting her to Bhubaneswar. She was later taken to Bhubaneswar by ambulance for further treatment.According to locals, the incident took place at around 8 pm. Neighbours reportedly heard Sarojini screaming from inside the house and rushed to the spot. By the time they arrived, she was on fire, and her clothes had been burnt. They rescued her and immediately took her to the hospital.Police have detained Sarojini’s husband, Monti Mallik, for questioning in connection with the incident.There are allegations that the couple had an argument over money received by Sarojini under the Subhadra scheme on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Locals have also alleged that kerosene was poured on her and she was set on fire following the dispute. However, police are yet to establish the veracity of these allegations.On receiving information, Kumbharpada police visited the hospital and took stock of Sarojini’s condition. Meanwhile, Talabania police reached the house and took Monti into custody for questioning. Police have also informed Sarojini’s parental family about the incident.The police have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to the incident. The house has been sealed, and a scientific team has been called to collect forensic evidence from the spot.
September 3, 2026
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