Bhubaneswar, Sept 17: A young man was allegedly beaten and set on fire at his girlfriend’s house in Reamal area of Debagarh district late on Thursday night, triggering shock in the locality. The deceased has been identified as Silu Ray, a resident of nearby Babarakot village.

According to preliminary reports, Ray had completed his engineering studies and had been working in the local area for several years. Around four months ago, he reportedly moved to Mumbai, where he joined a private organisation. He had returned to his native village from Mumbai only on Thursday morning.

Later in the evening, Ray informed his family that he was going towards Debagarh. He subsequently went to meet his girlfriend at her residence near Lakshmi Chhak in Reamal, where family members allegedly spotted him.

A confrontation reportedly followed, during which the girl’s family allegedly assaulted Ray. His family has alleged that he was severely beaten and sustained serious injuries before petrol was allegedly poured over him and he was set on fire.

Following the incident, Reamal police reached the spot and detained the woman and her parents for questioning. Police have also sealed the alleged crime scene.

A scientific team and sniffer dogs are expected to assist in the investigation and collection of forensic evidence. The exact circumstances leading to the death are yet to be established.

Meanwhile, Yashodhar Ray, the elder brother of the deceased, has lodged a written complaint at Reamal police station, following which police have begun further investigation.

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