Odisha man killed after visiting girlfriend's house, body set on fire; 7 named in FIR

Police said the couple's families had differences over their inter-caste relationship, with the man insisting on marriage. His family has alleged that the woman's relatives attacked and killed him before pouring petrol over his body and setting it on fire.Seven people have been named in the FIR, while police are questioning the woman and two others. (Photo: ITG)A 28-year-old man was allegedly killed after he went to meet his girlfriend at her home in Odisha's Deogarh district, following which his body was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire, police said. The incident took place around 11 pm on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Silu Rai.According to police, Rai had been in a relationship with the woman for around two years. The relationship had previously led to disagreements between the two families, with police saying the families belonged to different castes.Police said Rai had been living away from his village for some time and had returned on Wednesday evening. Later that night, he went to meet his girlfriend at her home.A dispute allegedly broke out between Rai and the woman's family. According to the complaint filed by his brother, a man identified as Narottam Behera and his family members attacked Rai, resulting in his death. The complaint further alleges that after killing him, the accused placed Rai's body in the courtyard, poured petrol over it and set it on fire.SEVEN NAMED IN FIRDeogarh Additional SP Dhiraj Chopdar said an FIR had been registered on the basis of a complaint filed by the deceased's brother. "The complaint alleges that Narottam Behera and his family members killed Silu. We learnt that the deceased was in a relationship with the accused's daughter," Chopdar said.He added that the two families had differences over their relationship and that Rai wanted to marry the woman. According to the complaint, Rai had gone to the accused's home on Wednesday night, after which a quarrel broke out.Seven people have been named in the FIR, the officer said. The woman and two other family members have been taken into custody for questioning.POLICE AWAIT FORENSIC EVIDENCEPolice are investigating how the confrontation unfolded, how Rai died and who was involved in the alleged attack and subsequent burning of his body.A scientific team has been called to examine the scene and collect evidence. Police are also questioning the woman and her family members.The body will be sent for post-mortem examination after the forensic examination is completed. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Sep 17, 2026 21:04 IST