Man burnt alive after house catches fire in Sonepur

Sonepur: In an unfortunate incident, a man was charred to death after fire engulfed his house at Ghichapali in Birmaharjpur of Sonepur district late on Tuesday night. The deceased, identified as Ranjan Bibhar (30), is survived by his wife and daughter.

As per sources, the mishap occurred in the wee hours today when Ranjan was alone in the house while his wife and daughter had reportedly been to his in-laws’ house.

The matter came to light after Ranjan’s neighbour raised an alarm after spotting flames emanating from the house. “It was around 3 AM when the mishap occurred and by the time we rushed to douse the flames, Ranjan was completely charred along with the house” said Ranjan’s neighbour, Rajesh Bibhar.

Soon after receiving information, fire tenders rushed to the spot and doused the flames.

Meanwhile, based on a complaint lodged by Ranjan’s wife, Mallati Bibhar, Subalaya police initiated an investigation to find out the exact cause behind the fire mishap.  “We suspect the fire triggered from the kitchen of the house. We have sent the body for post-mortem and a probe is underway,” Birmaharajpur SDPO, Dhiraj Kumar Chopdar said.

A few others also claimed compensation for the family by the administration. “He was the lone bread earner in his family, and his wife and daughter have lost everything in the mishap. We demand compensation for the kin of the deceased” said a villager, Brundaban Luha.

Later, officials of the district administration including local MLA also reached the spot to take stock of the situation.

“An assistance of Rs 10,000 has been given from the Red Cross fund to Ranjan’s family. After the post-mortem report, other financial assistance will be provided as per the government norms,” stated Birmaharjpur Tehsildar, Laxmikant Sahu.

“It's very saddening. As per government provisions, a compensation of Rs 4 lakh will be given to the kin of the deceased. We will take necessary steps to provide financial assistance to the family as soon as possible,” informed Sonepur MLA, Padmanabha Behera.