Berhampur: A woman leader of the Biju Janata Dal was rushed to SCB Hospital in Cuttack with critical burn injuries after she set herself on fire by pouring kerosene on her body on Wednesday. Shockingly, the incident has happened outside the office of Berhampur SP.
Sources claimed that Meenakshi Mishra, an active member of the ruling party in Berhampur, took the extreme step while protesting the arrest of her son Raja Mishra in connection with a group clash.
She was initially admitted to MKCG hospital and later shifted to SCB after her condition worsened.
Reportedly on January 28, Raja Mishra picked up a quarrel with one Sunil Moharana who had reportedly parked his motorcycle in front of a Kalyan Mandap at Panda colony under Baidyanathpur Police limits in Berhampur. In a fit of rage, Sunil along with his friends brutally assaulted Raja with a cricket bat, the video of which has been captured in a CCTV camera installed near the spot. When Meenakshi intervened to save her son Raja, she was also attacked by the group.
After a complaint was lodged in this regard, police arrested five persons including Raja, Asish Maharana, Pintu Behera, Sunil Maharana and Kalia Sahu over their involvement. However, the BJD leader alleged that her son has been falsely implicated and had no role in the attack.
Protesting police action against her son, Meenakshi had gone to SP office today requesting to release her son. However, situation turned ugly when she attempted to immolate herself and eventually did that by pouring kerosene which she had brought concealed in a small bottle.
Speaking to media, SP Pinak Mishra said, "As per the allegations of Meenakshi Mishra, Raja was arrested on false charges. While I was not present in the office, Additional SP took note of her grievance and assured that necessary inquiry will be initiated. Later, she poured kerosene on her body and attempted self-immolation. She was immediately rescued and admitted to hospital."
The SP further said that Meenakshi's son has criminal records and several cases have been registered against him earlier.
Till last report was filed, Meenakshi is under constant supervision of the doctors while her condition remains critical.
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