Bhawanipatna: A woman sustained critical burn injuries after her father-in-law and mother-in-law allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire over dowry-related harassment at Gotamunda village under Ampani police station limits in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Saturday evening.
The victim, Geetanjali, was initially taken to the Dharmagarh Sub-Divisional Hospital and later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Bhawanipatna. She was subsequently referred to VIMSAR in Burla.
According to a complaint filed by her father, Geetanjali married Laxman Lahajal, a resident of Gotamunda village, in 2021. He alleged that she had been subjected to physical and mental harassment by her in-laws over dowry demands after marriage.
The complaint also mentions an earlier incident in which hot water was poured on her. The matter was discussed at a village meeting, following which a settlement was reached. However, tensions resurfaced later.
Geetanjali’s father has accused her father-in-law, Pabitra Lahajal, and mother-in-law of pouring petrol on her and setting her on fire.
Following the incident, her father lodged a written complaint at the Ampani police station, demanding strict action against those responsible.
Police have launched an investigation into the allegations.