Baripada: In a shocking incident, a man allegedly poured petrol on his father-in-law and mother-in-law and set them ablaze at Naupada village under Shuliapada police limits in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district late Tuesday night.

The victims, identified as Sheikh Harun Ali and his wife Suhana, sustained severe burn injuries and were admitted to PRM Medical College and Hospital in Baripada for treatment.

According to reports, the accused, identified as Sheikh Sagir, was at loggerheads with his wife, who had been staying at her parents' house due to family disputes. Sagir had been visiting his in-laws' house frequently in an attempt to take his wife back home.

On Tuesday night, Sagir arrived at the house and engaged in a heated argument with his in-laws. During the altercation, he allegedly poured petrol on the elderly couple and set them on fire before fleeing the scene.

Hearing their screams, locals rushed to the spot and managed to extinguish the flames. The neighbours also informed the police about the incident.

Police personnel reached the village and shifted the injured couple to the hospital.

Shuliapada police have launched an investigation and are conducting raids to trace and arrest the accused.