Berhampur: A Motor Vehicle Constable posted at the RTO office in Chatrapur has alleged that his wife and brother-in-law poured petrol on him and set him ablaze.
The constable, identified as Ashutosh Mrudangia, made the serious allegations while undergoing treatment in a hospital. A video of his statement went viral on Sunday. According to Ashutosh, the incident took place when he visited the quarters of his wife, Sandhya Nayak. Sandhya Nayak is also serving as a constable in the district police. He claimed that his wife and her brother attacked him. They poured petrol on him and set him on fire.
In his statement, Ashutosh said, “I had gone to my wife’s quarters. My wife and her brother poured petrol on me. While I was trying to escape, he lit a matchstick. I was suddenly engulfed in flames. I rushed out of the house and entered another person’s house. They threw a bucket of water on me and doused the flames. After that, I collapsed on the floor. An ambulance later arrived and rescued me.”
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He further claimed that he ran from the quarters in an attempt to save his life before seeking shelter in a nearby house. Following the allegations, police have initiated an investigation. Berhampur Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M said an FIR has been registered based on the complaint.
“Based on the complaints made, an FIR has been registered by name. Police and scientific teams have started an investigation into the matter. So far, no one has been detained. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” the SP said.The SP added that Ashutosh remains under treatment. He has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“The victim is currently undergoing treatment and is in the ICU. He will be shifted later if required,” he said.
No reaction from Sandhya Nayak could be received regarding the allegations at the time of reporting.