Couple attempts self-immolation outside Odisha Assembly

High drama unfolded outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly (OLA) after a couple from Nayagarh district allegedly attempted self-immolation on Tuesday.

They maintained that they have been denied justice in the alleged abduction and murder case of their five-year-old daughter.

When the couple tried to immolate itself by pouring kerosene, security personnel deployed outside the Assembly rushed and prevented them from lighting the matchstick.

The couple has been identified as Ashok Sahu and Soudamini Sahu of Jadupur village in Nayagarh district.

After seizing the kerosene bottle and a matchbox from their possession, the police took them into custody.

The couple alleged that police have not taken any action in connection with the kidnap and murder of their five-year-old daughter in July this year.

Her body was found in the backyard with eyes gouged out and kidneys removed, they said.

Soudamini alleged Agriculture Minister Arun Sahoo is shielding the accused in the incident.

"Our daughter was brutally murdered. Babuli Nayak along with his accomplices killed her. Even as months have passed, the accused are moving scot-free. Minister Arun Sahoo is sheltering the criminals," said the mother.

She said the main accused was a key aide of the Minister from Nayagarh district.