Odishatv Bureau

Khurda: The idea of a progressive society is still farfetched till incidents like this drag us back with their regressive fangs.

Not very far from one of the smartest cities of the world Bhubaneswar, a woman was burnt alive on Tuesday by her in-laws at Dingara village in Khurda district of Odisha over dowry. The victim, identified as Chandrakanti, who was a mother of two, succumbed to her injuries today morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Chandrakanti of Nayagarh got married to Debasish of Dingara on July 14, 2010. According to sources, a few days after marriage, her in-laws and husband tortured and thrashed her demanding Rs 50,000 and a motorcycle as dowry. The torment continued for years until Chandrakanti was allegedly set on fire by her father-in-law Rabindra Barik, mother-in-law Manorama and husband Debasish on Tuesday.

Later her in-laws admitted Chandrakanti to a Bhubaneswar-based private hospital fearing any untoward situation, sources said.

Managobind Barik, father of Chandrakanti said “My daughter told me that her in-laws were demanding dowry, but I had told her about my inability to fulfil the demands. Earlier they thrashed her several time over the same.”

In her dying statement, Chandrakanti had said “My father-in-law poured kerosene on me in the house while my mother-in-law and husband restrained me.”

Sarojini Barik, sister of Chandrakanti said “As a dowry case has been pending, my sister’s in-laws took her to their house after apologising before the court. However, on Tuesday, her in-laws and husband poured kerosene on her and burnt her alive."

Following the incident, the accused are absconding along with the minor daughter and son of Chandrakanti, informed sources.

“Strict action will be taken against the accused. Besides, the case will be handed over to the Investigating Unit for Crime Against Women (IUCAW),” informed Khurda SP, Dipti Ranjan Ray.

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