Woman attempts self-immolation over family dispute in Odisha’s Dhenkanal

In yet another disturbing incident, a woman allegedly attempted self-immolation in the Bhuvan NAC Old Police Station area in Dhenkanal on Tuesday.

According to reports, the woman set herself on fire following a family dispute. Locals rushed to her aid after spotting the flames and managed to extinguish them before alerting the authorities.

She sustained severe burn injuries and was initially taken to a nearby hospital. Given the seriousness of her condition, she was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.

The altercation broke out between the couple on Sunday evening over an unpaid EMI scheduled for the next day. As the couple was running short of cash, the woman set herself on fire, fearing public shame, sources added.

Police have registered a case and begun an investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that ongoing domestic quarrels may have pushed her to take the extreme step.

This comes amid rising concerns over repeated cases of self-immolation in the state in recent weeks, prompting calls for greater mental health support and conflict resolution mechanisms within communities.