Case registered against constable, brother for setting husband on fire

Berhampur: A case was registered on Saturday against a female constable and her brother for allegedly setting fire to her husband near Bijipur police quarters under Berhampur Town police station limits late on Friday evening.The injured, Asutosh Mrudungia (31), worked as a motor vehicles department constable at Chhatrapur. He sustained around 80% burn injuries and was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar once his condition worsened.Police said a case was registered against the duo based on the complaint lodged by Nibedita Devi, Mrudungia’s sister. “We are investigating if it was a case of self-immolation or being set afire, as his wife denied the charges. A forensic team visited the spot and collected evidence,” said SP Berhampur Saravana Vivek M.Police said Mrudungia was married to Sandhya Nayak (32) of Berhampur about a year-and-a-half ago and they have no child. They had frequent quarrels due to Mrudungia's alleged alcoholism and demand for money from her. On May 18, he assaulted Sandhya, who sustained injuries to her face, abdomen and hands. She was three months pregnant on that day. A case was registered in the connection at Mahila police station here and he was arrested. She allegedly suffered a miscarriage on May 23, police said. He was released on bail and visited Sandhya’s quarter late on Friday evening, when the incident took place. “We are investigating from all angles to ascertain the facts,” police added.