Devbrat Patnaik

Bolangir: A youth was charred to death after a betel shop near PP Academy square in Bolangir caught fire Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Suraj Kheti of Malpada area.

According to sources, the incident occurred late last night when Suraj was sleeping in the shop.

Getting information, fire tenders rushed to the spot and were pressed into action; but by the time they could douse the flames, Suraj had already succumbed to the burn injuries.

While the cause of the fire is still unclear, Kheti's family has alleged that he was murdered over past enmity.

“There is no chance of short-circuit. There was only one wire and a bulb in the shop. The fire was so intense that it resulted in his death in no time. I think this is intentional,” alleged Kanhu Kheti, Suraj’s elder brother.

Meanwhile, police has initiated an investigation into the incident.

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