Anandapur, Mar 6: A 55-year-old man was allegedly burned alive in Baradanda Sahi near Anandapur late Thursday night. The deceased has benn identified as Debendra Mishra.

According to reports, Debendra was asleep in his home when flames suddenly engulfed the room. Neighbours, noticing the blaze, immediately alerted the fire brigade.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and battled the flames, but by the time the fire was brought under control, Mishra had already been burned to death. His body was found completely charred inside the house.

The exact cause of the fire remains uncertain. However, locals suspect that Mishra’s smoking habit may have played a role, with a bidi or cigarette possibly sparking the blaze. Authorities have not ruled out other causes and are conducting a thorough investigation.

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Police arrived at the site soon after the incident, collected evidence, and initiated inquiries to determine how the fire started. The shocking event has left the community in grief, with residents expressing sorrow over the sudden and horrifying death.

This incident highlights the dangers of fire hazards in residential areas and the importance of fire safety awareness, especially in homes where smoking or flammable materials are present.