A man and his wife allegedly set themselves on fire over family dispute at Guagadia village under Jaleswar block in Baleswar district on Monday evening.
While the woman died, her husband sustained critical burn injuries and was undergoing treatment.
According to reports, Ratikant Majhi (25) of the village had married Liza of Baleswar three months ago. They had recently gone to Ratikant’s in-laws’ house and returned on Monday. Moments later, a heated exchange of words erupted between the two in a room.
Later, Ratikant’s family members opened the door of the room and were shocked to see the couple burning alive. With the help of villagers, they rescued the two and rushed them to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).
The doctors at the DHH referred the duo to the SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack. While the two were being shifted to the hospital, Liza succumbed to her burn injuries midway. Ratikant’s condition was stated to be critical.