Berhampur Constable Battles for Life After Alleged Attack by Wife

Berhampur: A shocking incident has surfaced in Ganjam district after a 31‑year‑old constable, Ashutosh Mrudangia, posted with the Odisha Motor Vehicles Department at Chhatrapur, sustained 75% burn injuries.

He alleged that his wife, Sandhya Nayak, and her brother poured petrol on him and set him ablaze.

The incident occurred late Friday night at Sandhya’s government quarters in Biju Patnaik Nagar.

Witnesses reported seeing Ashutosh running down the staircase engulfed in flames. Havildar Gopal Nayak, who attempted to rescue him, also suffered burn injuries.

Ashutosh was initially admitted to MKCG Medical College in Berhampur and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to his critical condition.

His mother lodged an attempt‑to‑murder complaint, demanding strict action against the accused.

The couple had a love marriage in February 2025.

However, Sandhya had earlier filed a dowry harassment and attempted murder case against Ashutosh, leading to his arrest on May 18.

He was suspended from service and released on bail just three days before this incident.

Police have registered Case No. 247/26 based on a complaint filed by Ashutosh’s sister.

Forensic teams have seized combustible materials from the scene, and Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M visited both the crime site and hospital to oversee the investigation.