Bhubaneswar: A major tragedy was averted when police stopped a couple from resorting to self-immolation along with their seven-year-old daughter near the Odisha Assembly building in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

As per preliminary information, the two from Kotasingha area of Boudh district were proceeding towards the Assembly building in the city with the minor girl when police spotted and intercepted them on Mahatma Gandhi Marg.

Sources said the couple had been under tremendous stress over their daughter’s prolonged illness. The girl has been suffering from a disease for a very long time and there has been no improvement despite treatment.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the man and his wife were carrying some inflammable substance and intended to set themselves and the child on fire in a desperate act to end their plight. After spotting them, alert police personnel immediately intervened and prevented them from causing any harm to themselves.

Narrating their plight, the man told the media that his daughter has been ill for the last seven years and there is no improvement in her health condition. Finding no other option, the couple borrowed money from my fellow villagers and came to Bhubaneswar with the girl. “I want to meet the Chief Minister. If no help is provided, I will leave the child and go back,” he said.

He said they had visited hospitals several times and also approached the district Collector for help. However, despite assistance provided by the district administration, the girl’s health condition did not show any sign of improvement.

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