Desk Correspondent ,Bhubaneswar - A couple is battling for their lives at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar after unidentified attackers broke into their home and set them on fire late Tuesday night in Chakrada, located in Odisha’s Balasore district. Bijay Behera and his wife, Aarti Behera, sustained nearly 70% burns in the assault, which police suspect stems from personal enmity or previous rivalry. The attackers allegedly poured petrol on the sleeping couple before igniting the flames, prompting neighbors to break down the door after hearing screams for help.

Local residents rescued the victims and rushed them to a nearby health centre, after which they were moved to the Balasore district hospital and subsequently referred to AIIMS due to their critical condition. Investigating officers, including Additional Superintendent Manas De, inspected the crime scene and recovered a petrol bottle, a mobile phone, and other physical materials for forensic examination. While police are currently examining all possible angles, no arrests have been made.

The victims' family claims the brutal attack may be an act of revenge linked to a dispute involving the couple’s son, Papu, who eloped with a local woman a few months ago. Relatives suspect members of the woman’s family orchestrated the assault; however, authorities have not yet confirmed these allegations. A comprehensive investigation remains underway.