Half-burnt woman rescued in critical condition in Cuttack

In a shocking incident, a woman was rescued in a half-burnt state from inside her house in Kankreilo village under Salipur block of Cuttack District on Tuesday. 

The victim has been identified as Tilottama Raut, who reportedly sustained burn injuries over 60 percent of her body. She has been shifted to Cuttack’s SCB Medical College and Hospital in critical condition.

Preliminary reports suggest that kerosene was poured on her before she was set on fire. However, the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. 

Police have launched an investigation to determine whether it was a case of attempted suicide or if someone deliberately set her ablaze.

"The patient has suffered nearly 60 per cent burn injuries. The skin and deep tissues are involved in the burn. The patient is obviously serious. After completing dressing and administering the injection, we have referred her to SCB. The kerosene smell was there. However, the exact cause of the fire could be known after police investigation," said Salipur Medical Officer Bijay Kumar Pradhan.

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"Following a prima facie investigation, it has been revealed that the victim tried to self-immolate herself inside her house by locking the door. A police team and a scientific team have come to the spot for investigation, and they are collecting evidence. The patient has been referred to SCB for better treatment. We are conducting an impartial investigation of the incident. Necessary actions will be taken against persons based on evidence. Prima facie, the case seems to be a domestic dispute. However, it is an early stage of investigation, and we are actively studying the case. As per evidence, the final investigation will be made," said Cuttack Rural SP Vinit Agrawal.