Baripada, Jun 10: A domestic dispute allegedly took a violent turn in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district after a man was accused of attempting to burn his in-laws alive by setting their house on fire in the middle of the night, a source said Wednesday.

The incident was reported from Naupada area under Suliapada police station limits, where the accused, identified as Sikandar from Raghunathpur village, allegedly poured petrol around his in-laws’ house and set it ablaze while family members were asleep.

Wife Had Returned To Parents’ Home
According to family members, Sikandar’s wife had returned to her parental home after allegedly facing repeated physical assault and harassment from her husband. Her parents had reportedly been trying to resolve the dispute through discussions and mediation in an effort to save the marriage.

However, the situation allegedly escalated when Sikandar became upset over the proposed settlement efforts.

House Set Ablaze While Family Slept
Victim Sohana Bibi alleged that at around 2:30am, Sikandar arrived at the house and set it on fire after pouring petrol outside the structure.

She further claimed that the accused had earlier attempted a similar act by setting fire to items kept outside the house.

The family was asleep when the blaze broke out. As flames spread rapidly, family members rushed out to save themselves and the children.

Couple Suffers Severe Burn Injuries
The incident left Sohana Bibi’s husband, the father-in-law of Sikandar, with serious burn injuries. He was reportedly severely burned in the fire and is undergoing treatment.

Sohana Bibi also sustained burn injuries to her hands while trying to rescue children from the burning house.

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Family Alleges Delay In Police Action
Family members alleged that despite informing the police about the incident, immediate action was not taken against the accused. They claimed the cops advised them to restrain the accused with the help of locals if he was found.

The allegations could not be independently verified.

Accused Absconding
Following the incident, Sikandar fled the area and remains absconding, the source informed.