55-Year-Old Ranjan Padhi Succumbs to Burn Injuries After Being Set Afire by Borrower

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Man Dies After Being Set on Fire Over Unpaid Debt

By Express News Service

In a horrifying incident in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi district, a 55-year-old man named Ranjan Padhi lost his life after being doused in petrol and set ablaze by a borrower who had failed to repay his debt. The tragic incident occurred on the night of November 15, leaving Padhi with over 60 per cent burn injuries.

The victim was immediately rushed to the Bhawanipatna government hospital for initial treatment. Due to the severity of his condition, Padhi was later transferred to VIMSAR, Burla. However, his health continued to deteriorate, prompting his further transfer to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Tragically, despite the efforts of medical professionals, Padhi succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

The accused, identified as Basudev Chatria from Nuapada’s Komna area, was swiftly apprehended by the authorities on November 16. Initially booked under section 307 of the IPC (Indian Penal Code), Chatria has now been charged under section 302 of the IPC following the victim’s demise.

The incident unfolded when Padhi, unsuspecting of the impending danger, arrived at a location near Bhawanipatna-Raipur road on his motorcycle. It was at this moment that Chatria, sneaking up from behind, poured petrol over Padhi and set him alight. Immediately after committing the heinous act, Chatria fled the scene, leaving the victim in excruciating pain. Fortunately, some passersby heard Padhi’s screams and rushed to his aid, promptly transporting him to the hospital.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that Chatria had borrowed a substantial amount of Rs 2 lakh from Padhi but had repeatedly failed to fulfill his repayment obligations. In a bid to deceive the victim, Chatria lured Padhi to a secluded spot on the outskirts of Bhawanipatna town, promising to settle his debt.

This horrific incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with locals expressing their outrage and demanding justice for the deceased. The police have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrator faces the full extent of the law.

The untimely demise of Ranjan Padhi serves as a stark reminder of the alarming rise in cases of debt-related violence in our society. It is imperative that authorities and financial institutions work together to create a safe and secure environment for borrowers and lenders alike..