Riamal, Mar 24: A man allegedly killed his wife by setting her on fire in Mahlarbahal village of Riamal block.

The deceased was identified as Laxmi Sahu. Her brother, Murli Sahu of Mendipali village, filed a complaint with the police. Following the complaint, the deceased’s husband, Yashobanta Sahu, has been taken into custody.

Under the direction of SP Anil Kumar Mishra, SDPO Ramesh Chandra Mohana and outpost officer Vishnupriya Rana visited the crime scene for investigation. A scientific team from Angul is scheduled to conduct a detailed examination, after which the body will be sent for postmortem.

According to reports, Laxmi had married Yashobanta 26 years ago. The couple had no children and had been living an infertile married life. Last Sunday night, locals noticed a small fire in a paddy field near the village pond. Initially, they assumed it was leftover crop residue being burnt and did not pay much attention. However, on Monday morning, villagers found a partially burnt female body in the field and immediately informed the outpost officer. Police investigation confirmed the identity of the deceased as Laxmi Sahu.

Authorities are continuing the probe to determine the exact circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.