Balasore: As many as 20 goats and four cattle were burnt alive as miscreants allegedly set a house on fire at Balabudhi village under Basta police limits in Odisha’s Balasore district, late last night.
As per reports, the accused torched the house of Kailash Malik of the village using petrol when the family members were sleeping.
Though they managed to escape and come out of the house unhurt, the animals were burnt to death at the shed.
On being informed, Fire Services personnel reached the village and doused the flames. Properties worth lakhs of rupees, including household articles, foods and clothes, were reduced to ashes in the blaze.
A land dispute was reportedly prevailing between Kailash and his neighbour. It is being suspected that the torching of the house was a fallout of the enmity.
On the basis of a complaint lodged by the victim, police have started investigation into the matter.