Three tribal kids burnt alive

Baripada, Dec 26 (UNI) A pall of gloom had overcast the tiny tribal Jhumkapal village under Raruan block of Mayurbhanj district when three tribal kids were burnt alive in an accidental fire yesterday.

Police today said the children were playing near a heap of haystacks when the mishap took place. The fire engulfed the three children in no time.

The victims were identified as Lipu(4)- son of Sonaram Purty, Anand(4)-son of Rajen Purty, and Abhi, 3-year old son of Pujan Purty, official sources said.

Although the exact cause of the fire was not known, unconfirmed reports said that the dry straw heaps got ignited when the kids were playing with a matchstick.

By the time, Fire Brigade arrived from Karanjia, the bodies of the kids were charred.

Mayurbhanj District Collector V Kartikeya Pandian had sanctioned a sum of Rs two thousand as an ex-gratia assistance to each of the three bereaved families. The Collector said further assistance if necessary would be provided as per the relief code.

UNI XC-DP KK DB1715