Constable Ashutosh Mrudungia Succumbs to Burn Injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Motor Vehicle Department constable Ashutosh Mrudungia, 31, passed away at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after battling severe burn injuries sustained on June 5.
According to his dying declaration before a magistrate, Mrudungia alleged that his wife, Sandhya Nayak, and her brother, Dibas Nayak, poured petrol on him and set him ablaze at her government quarters in Berhampur police colony.
Witnesses reported seeing him engulfed in flames as he ran down the staircase before entering a neighbour’s house. A havildar was also injured while attempting to rescue him.
Police registered a case based on a complaint filed by Mrudungia’s sister.
Investigators seized a plastic bottle and matchbox from the scene, while mobile phones of the victim and accused were sent for forensic examination.
The constable had a history of marital discord.
His wife had lodged a domestic assault complaint on May 18, leading to his arrest.
He was released on bail on June 2, just three days before the incident.
Placed on ventilator support two days before his death, Mrudungia’s condition deteriorated rapidly.
His demise has intensified the investigation, with police probing angles related to marital disputes and prior allegations.
