Murder or self-immolation; Niali youth’s mysterious death takes new twist after shocking video surfaces

The mysterious death of a youth from Baliapattana on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar has taken a dramatic turn after a shocking video surfaced, purportedly recorded before his death. The deceased, identified as Jyoti Ranjan Mathia, had been admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with severe burn injuries on Friday evening and succumbed while undergoing treatment early Saturday. 

Initially suspected to be a case of self-immolation, the narrative changed after the video emerged in which Jyoti is seen making serious allegations.

In the clip, he accused his father, stepmother, and stepbrother of pouring petrol on him and setting him ablaze over a property dispute. 

“I am Jyoti Ranjan Mathia. My father, mother and brother poured petrol and set me on fire. They brought the petrol. They have taken such a step in a property dispute. There is no property in my name,” Jyoti could be heard saying in the video.

Meanwhile, police have detained his father, Surendra, stepmother, and stepbrother Prashant for interrogation. 

Also Read: Bargarh minor girl’s self-immolation case takes twist; family points to ‘suspicious call’, denies quarrel

Neighbours said Jyoti was found in a charred state, crying for help, before being rushed to Balipatna Community Health Centre and later shifted to AIIMS. Despite doctors’ efforts, he could not survive.

Meanwhile, questions remain over who recorded the video and under what circumstances. Police said the investigation is underway, and the authenticity of the clip is being verified.