BHUBANESWAR — A married couple in Odisha died after unidentified assailants entered their residence during the night and ignited the bed on which they were resting, according to reports. Bijay Behera and his wife Aarti Behera succumbed to burn injuries following the brutal assault that occurred in the early hours.
Family members have alleged that the attack was an act of vengeance connected to a romantic relationship involving the couple's son. The perpetrators reportedly forced their way into the home while the victims were asleep and deliberately set fire to their cot before fleeing the scene. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been confirmed at this time.
Crimes motivated by disputes over relationships and interfaith or intercaste unions continue to be a serious concern across several Indian states, despite legal protections. In rural areas particularly, traditional attitudes toward marriage and social boundaries sometimes manifest in violent retribution against families whose members challenge established norms. Odisha has witnessed periodic incidents of violence linked to relationship disputes in recent years.
Police officials are examining the family's allegations and collecting statements from witnesses to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible for the deadly assault. The investigation is ongoing.