Son Sets Mother on Fire After Being Denied Money for Alcohol in Odisha: Police Investigation Underway

Further investigation is ongoing. (Representational)

Bhadrak:

In Odisha's Bhadrak district, an elderly woman sustained severe burn injuries after allegedly being attacked and set ablaze by her son, according to police reports on Thursday. The violent incident occurred in Galaganda village within the jurisdiction of Tihidi police station.

Police identified the accused as Debashish Nayak (45), a known substance abuser, who fled immediately after allegedly setting his mother on fire.

Initial reports indicate that Debashish had requested money from his mother, Jyotsnarani Nayak (65), to purchase liquor. Upon her refusal, he allegedly assaulted her. After she fell unconscious, he reportedly doused her with petrol and ignited it, as stated by police citing accounts from local residents.

Tihidi police station in-charge Satyabrata Graharaj explained, "Neighbors rushed to the scene after hearing her screams, but the accused escaped before being apprehended."

The victim was initially transported to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital and subsequently transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack when her condition deteriorated, according to police.

A neighbor, Subrata Nayak, remarked, "Arguments between Debashis and his mother were commonplace. However, we never anticipated he would set his mother on fire simply because she refused to provide money for alcohol."