Sundargarh, Aug 8: A man was allegedly set on fire after four persons poured petrol on him in Ganighasa village under Lahunipada police limits in Odisha's Sundargarh district on Saturday, reportedly in connection with a land dispute.

The victim, identified as Kahnu Charan Mahanta, was allegedly intercepted by the four persons while he was on his way to a nearby stream in the morning. According to reports, the accused allegedly poured petrol on him and set him ablaze.

Hearing his screams, some villagers rushed to the spot and rescued Mahanta. He was initially taken to Lahunipada Hospital in a critical condition. As his condition remained serious, he was later shifted to Ispat General Hospital (IGH) in Rourkela for further treatment.

Mahanta's family has alleged that the attack was linked to a dispute over land. According to the family, some individuals had allegedly leased out a petrol pump on their land without their permission. Mahanta had reportedly sought information about the matter through a Right to Information (RTI) application, following which a dispute allegedly arose.

The family suspects that the dispute over the petrol pump and the land may have led to the attack.

Following the incident, Lahunipada police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Police reportedly recovered a matchbox, a bottle containing petrol and a pair of slippers from the scene.

Police are investigating the identities of those allegedly involved in the attack and the exact motive behind the incident.