Shocking Turn in Odisha: Family Arrested in Alleged Murder Disguised as Self-Immolation

Tragic Incident Unfolds in Khurda District

Bhubaneswar: What initially appeared to be a self-immolation attempt by a 42-year-old man in Khurda district, Odisha, has now been revealed as a suspected murder, leading to the arrest of three family members on Saturday.

The victim, Jyotiranjan Mathia from Saripur village, succumbed to severe burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar just a day after being admitted, according to police reports.

As per the FIR lodged by his wife, Bijayalaxmi Behera, Jyotiranjan was allegedly doused in petrol and set on fire by his father, stepmother, and stepbrother, among others, on Friday.

Authorities believe the motive behind this heinous act stems from a protracted family dispute over property.

Initially, Jyotiranjan was treated at the Athantar community health center before being transferred to Capital Hospital and subsequently to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

"The victim's last words, captured through audio and video, corroborate that family members were responsible for the act. A formal case has been initiated," stated Assistant Commissioner of Police (Zone 4), Abhimanyu Nayak.

"Preliminary evidence suggests this was not a case of self-immolation but rather a murder linked to a land dispute. The post-mortem findings will further aid the investigation," Nayak added.

The suspects have been identified as Jyotiranjan's father, Surendranath Mathia (74), stepmother, Pravati Mathia (57), and stepbrother, Prasant Kumar Mathia (34).

Bijayalaxmi has also accused Pravati of subjecting her to torture, with tensions escalating after Jyotiranjan was denied a share of the family property.