Balangir: A woman health worker was burnt alive in a mysterious fire incident at Ramchandrapur village under Deogaon police limits in Odisha’s Balangir district.

The deceased has been identified as Jayanti Barik, who was working at the local healthcare centre. The incident occurred late at night while she was asleep inside her house. Her husband, Upendra Kalsae, sustained minor injuries in the fire and managed to escape.

According to initial reports, villagers noticed the incident early in the morning and gathered outside the house before informing the police. Upon receiving information, Deogaon police reached the spot and began an investigation.

What has raised serious questions is that the fire reportedly affected only the woman while the house remained totally unaffected. This has led villagers to suspect foul play, with many alleging that it could be a planned murder rather than an accidental fire.

Police have launched a detailed probe into the incident to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances leading to the woman’s death. Further investigation is underway.