Golaghat (Assam), 16 April (HS): A man allegedly set his own house on fire while under the influence of alcohol in the Bokakhat area of Assam’s Golaghat district, police said on Thursday. No casualties have been reported in the incident.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night, the first day of the Bohag month marking the Assamese New Year, in Mohmaiki village under Ward No. 9 of Bokakhat Municipality. The accused has been identified as Bhaity Rajowa.

According to local sources, Rajowa, allegedly in an intoxicated state, assaulted his wife and drove her out of the house following a domestic dispute. He then reportedly set the house ablaze before fleeing the scene.

Members of the village defence party informed that the accused escaped immediately after starting the fire. On receiving information, teams from Bokakhat Police and the fire and emergency services rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames. However, the house was completely gutted in the fire.

Police have launched a search operation to trace the accused. Further investigation into the incident is underway.--------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash