A youth was charred to death after a betel shop near PP Academy Square in Balangir town caught fire on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Suraj Kheti of Malpada of the town.
According to sources, the incident occurred at night when Suraj was sleeping in the shop.
Getting information, fire tenders rushed to the spot and were pressed into action; but by the time they could douse the flames, Suraj had already succumbed to the burn injuries.
While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, Kheti’s family has alleged that he was murdered over past enmity.
“There is no chance of short-circuit. There was only one wire and a bulb in the shop. The fire was so intense that it resulted in his death in no time. I think this is intentional,” alleged Suraj’s elder brother Kanhu.
Meanwhile, police have initiated an investigation into the incident.