Sundargarh: 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. The incident, reportedly linked to a land dispute, has caused tension in the village.

According to reports, Kahnu Charan Mahanta was on his way to a nearby stream to relieve himself in the morning when four persons allegedly intercepted him. They reportedly poured petrol on him and set him on fire.

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

Kahnu Charan's family has alleged that the attack was the result of a dispute over land. According to the family, some members had allegedly leased out a petrol pump on their land without permission. Kahnu Charan had reportedly sought information about the matter through an RTI application, following which a dispute arose.

The family suspects that the dispute over the petrol pump and land may have led to the attack. However, the allegations are yet to be established.

On being informed about the incident, Lahunipada police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Police reportedly seized a matchbox, a bottle containing petrol and a pair of slippers from the scene.

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