Bhubaneswar, Aug 16: In a chilling case of family rivalry turning fatal, Balipatna police have arrested three members of a family for their alleged role in the death of 40-year-old Jyoti Ranjan Mathia. The victim, who had suffered severe burn injuries, succumbed while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Surendra Mathia (father), Prabhati Mathia (stepmother), and Prashant Mathia (stepbrother). The action followed a complaint lodged by Jyoti’s wife, who alleged that the trio had set her husband on fire.

According to ACP Zone-4 Abhimanyu Nayak, the preliminary probe suggests the crime was triggered by a long-standing land dispute within the family. The accused allegedly poured petrol on Jyoti before setting him ablaze. Police sources confirmed that the three accused were arrested and produced before the court. Efforts are underway to seek their remand for further interrogation.

Significantly, before his death, Jyoti himself had named his father, stepmother, and stepbrother as the perpetrators, strengthening the case against them. Police are continuing the investigation to uncover more details surrounding the brutal crime.

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