Berhampur: Father, Stepmother Who Instigated Girl to Commit Suicide Arrested

Berhampur: Berhampur Police on Wednesday arrested the father and stepmother, who instigated their daughter to commit suicide.

Rani Pradhan (20), who was pursuing +3 Final Year in Sashi Bhushan College, Berhampur, committed suicide by setting herself on fire at Kukudakhandi village in Ganjam district on Monday.

Her father Ashok Kumar Pradhan (46) and stepmother Jyotsnarani Pradhan (31) were arrested by the police.

On 07.10.2024 at 05.00 PM, Berhampur Sadar police received an information regarding self-immolation by Rani Pradhan. Soon after the occurrence, she was shifted to MKCG, MCH, Berhampur for treatment. In her dying declaration, Rani revealed that her father and step mother tortured her in every manner forcing her to finally commit suicide, informed Berhampur SP Dr. Saravana Vivek M.

When Rani was 1.5 year-old, her mother Iswari Pradhan of Lanjipalli area of Berhampur had passed away. Her father again married Jyotsnarani Pradhan since 18 years.

The father and stepmother harassed and abused her and compelled her to leave the house. They frequently instigated her to commit suicide. On 06.10.204 night Ashok Kumar Pradhan scolded Rani while she asked her exam fees. He handed over Rs.500 to her and asked to leave the house, again instigating her to commit suicide. The deceased could not bear her stress, on 07.10.2024 purchased a bottle of petrol and at about 04.00 PM committed suicide by pouring petrol on her body by setting fire, the Berhampur SP informed.