Jawan arrested for killing wife, setting house on fire to cover up crime in Odisha

In a shocking incident, police have arrested a jawan for allegedly murdering his wife and attempting to disguise the crime as an accident by setting their house on fire. The incident took place at OMP Colony in Koraput town, where the half-burnt body of the woman was recovered earlier this week.

According to sources, the accused has been identified as Shiv Shankar Patra, a jawan with the IRB Battalion. Police said Shiv confessed to killing his wife, Priyanka Panda, following a heated argument on the night of October 8.

In a fit of rage, Shiv reportedly struck Priyanka on the head with an iron rod, causing her to collapse unconscious. Instead of taking her to a hospital, he allegedly attempted to make the incident appear accidental. He opened the gas pipe, set fire to the house, and left the premises.

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A few moments later, seeing smoke coming out of the house, Shiv returned with neighbours, pretending to rescue his wife. Fire personnel rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames, only to find Priyanka’s half-charred body inside.

Koraput Town Police registered a case and launched an investigation, which revealed the murder plot. The accused jawan was taken into custody and has reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation.