Jhargram, 22 July (H.S.): A 50-year-old woman was allegedly raped and set on fire in a shocking incident in West Bengal's Jhargram district. Police have arrested the main accused, while the critically injured victim is undergoing treatment at Jhargram Medical College and Hospital.

According to police, the victim, a resident of Beliabera police station area, works as a cook in Odisha and frequently visits her native village. On Sunday, while returning from her daughter's house, she was allegedly offered a lift by a local youth identified as Rounak Panda, who addressed her as a relative.

The complaint alleges that the accused mixed an intoxicating substance in drinking water, rendering the woman unconscious. He then allegedly took her to Baharuna forest, sexually assaulted her, and later poured petrol on her before setting her ablaze in an attempt to destroy evidence and kill her.

Police said the victim regained consciousness due to the heat of the flames and somehow managed to reach a nearby police patrol, where she reported the incident. She was immediately taken to a local hospital and later shifted to Jhargram Medical College, where her condition remains critical.

Based on the victim's statement, Beliabera Police registered a case and arrested Rounak Panda from the village. A court has remanded him to judicial custody. Investigators are also probing whether anyone else was involved in the crime.

The victim's daughter alleged that her mother trusted the accused because he belonged to the same village and has demanded the strictest punishment for him.

Police said the investigation is underway and all aspects of the case are being examined.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey