TV
A couple mysteriously burnt to death inside their grocery shop at Tukla village under Khariar police station limits in Odisha’s Nuapada district late last night.
The deceased have been identified as 30-year-old Rajesh Patel and his 24-year-old wife Rima Patel.
How The Fire Broke Out
Tthe couple had a grocery shop where they were also selling petrol. On the night of the incident, one of them was packaging peanuts in a polythene bag and sealing it with a lantern’s flame, while the other was pouring petrol from a jerrycan into a bottle. During this activity, the fire reportedly broke out, spreading rapidly, engulfing both of them and causing extensive damage to the shop, said sources.
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Villagers Allege Delay In Ambulance
Locals said they noticed smoke coming from the shop and rushed to the spot. They alleged that although an ambulance was called immediately, it arrived nearly an hour late. The couple was eventually taken to Khariar Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.
Cause Of Death Under Investigation
Doctors at the hospital suspect that the deaths could have been due to either asphyxiation or severe burn injuries, though the exact cause will be confirmed only after post-mortem.
Dr Ashwashini Joshi stated, “The husband and wife duo were brought to the hospital from Tukla. The wife was severely burnt by the time they were brought to the hospital. They were brought dead to the hospital; the cause of death will be revealed after post-mortem.”
Khariar police have seized the bodies and initiated an investigation. However, the cops are yet to release an official statement.
