Woman, 2 minor sons critical in fire mishap in Angul

Angul: Three members of a family sustained critical burn injuries in a fire mishap that occurred under mysterious circumstances in their house at Sabalbhanga village of the district late on Sunday night.

According to sources, one Bachan Behra along with her two minor sons, Rahul and Abhimanyu sustained severe burn injuries after their house caught fire. The trio has been shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after preliminary treatment at District Headquarter Hospital (DHH). According to sources, the victims have suffered burn injuries of around 80 percent.

Though the exact reason behind the fire is still unclear, Pabitra Behera (husband of Bachan) alleged that the trio attempted suicide. However, Bachan in her statement to the doctors reportedly said that three unidentified person tried to kill her.

"We don't know why she took such an extreme step. My son and daughter-in-law entered into a quarrel over studies of their children. She scolded me and said she will kill herself and my grandsons. I was sitting outside and was unaware of the incident," said Bhawani Behera, Bachan's mother-in-law.

"On getting information I reached the spot and I am deeply saddened by the incident. I don't know the exact reason why the mishap took place. It might be due to some family feud. I request that the police should investigate the matter and find the exact cause behind the mishap," said the sarpanch of Balakata Panchayat, Sanatan Sethi

Meanwhile, police have started an investigation into the incident.