BERHAMPUR: An Odisha Motor Vehicle Department (OMVD) constable who suffered severe burn injuries in an incident allegedly involving his wife and brother-in-law died while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Friday, a week after he was hospitalised.The deceased was identified as Ashutosh Mrudungi, who was posted as a constable with the OMVD in Berhampur. He sustained nearly 80% burn injuries during the incident on the night of June 5.Mrudungi was initially admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar as his condition worsened. He succumbed to his injuries on Friday, family members said.Police initially suspected the case to be one of self-immolation. However, the deceased’s sister, Nivedita Devi, lodged a complaint against Mrudungi’s wife, a woman constable posted at the police reserve office in Berhampur, and his brother-in-law, a police officer said.“We have already registered a case against the duo. The statement of the deceased was recorded before his death. Statements of the accused and some other persons in the area have also been recorded. Evidence has been collected by the scientific team and an investigation is underway,” Berhampur Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M said.Action will be taken against the accused if their involvement in the death is established during the investigation, he added.The deceased’s sister has demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, alleging they were responsible for his death.According to police, Mrudungi had married the woman constable around one-and-a-half years ago. The couple had been involved in domestic disputes, and cases relating to domestic violence and dowry harassment had been registered at Koraput Town police station and Berhampur Mahila police station on complaints filed by the woman constable.Police said Mrudungi was arrested on May 23 following allegations that he had assaulted his wife on May 18, causing injuries while she was three months pregnant. She later claimed she suffered a miscarriage due to the assault. He was granted bail on June 3.The burn incident occurred on June 5 when he was on his way to his wife’s government quarters at Bijipur in Berhampur. PTI reported.Police said a case had already been registered against the two accused and the circumstances leading to his death are under investigation.(With agency inputs)
