A 28-year-old woman, identified as Lija Sethy, attempted self-immolation outside the Dhenkanal Superintendent of Police (SP) office on Saturday, driven by frustration over alleged inaction by local police on her harassment complaint. The incident, which unfolded around 6 pm, highlights systemic issues in addressing grievances, prompting the suspension of two sub-inspectors for negligence.

Lija Sethy, a resident of Ankarantipur under Dhenkanal Sadar police limits and originally from Jagatsinghpur district, alleged mental harassment by her husband’s cousin. She approached the Town police station, only to be redirected to the Sadar police station due to jurisdictional disputes. When Sadar police sent her back to Town police, her frustration culminated in the drastic act of pouring petrol on herself outside the SP’s office. Alert police personnel intervened swiftly, seizing a plastic bottle of petrol and a matchbox, preventing a tragedy.

Dhenkanal SP Abhinav Sonkar personally met with Sethy after the incident, assuring her of legal action. “I have discussed her grievances and promised appropriate steps,” Sonkar told reporters. The matter is under investigation, with allegations against the relative being examined.

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In response to the incident, two sub-inspectors—Utkal Bijay Mohanty of Town police station and Rosalin Minz of Sadar police station, both serving as diary charge officers—were suspended for dereliction of duty. The suspensions, announced late Saturday, reflect the administration’s acknowledgment of lapses in handling Sethy’s complaint.

This incident underscores broader concerns about police responsiveness and jurisdictional clarity in Odisha, with posts on X expressing public outrage over the ordeal faced by the woman.

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