Berhampur, July 15: A newly-wed couple died of burn injuries under suspicious circumstances in their house in Polsara area early morning today.

The victims have been identified as Ranjay Behera, 33, and Priyanka Behera, 23.

The police are waiting for the post-mortem report to ascertain whether they had set themselves on fire or there was any foul play. An empty container of kerosene was found from the spot.

Priyanka’s brother Jagan Behera has lodged a complaint with the Polsara police accusing her in-laws of setting her ablaze. She has been murdered, claims Jagan.

However, Ranjay’s brother Bijay Behera said Ranjay came home drunk last night and picked up a quarrel with his wife.

“Around 12.30am, my mother noticed fire and smoke billowing out from their room. We broke open the door and rushed them to MKCG Hospital,” said Bijay.

The two died in the hospital.

Ranjay worked in a cotton mill at Surat in Gujarat for last 10 years.

“But Ranjay did not go back to Surat after his marriage. He had a drinking problem and used to beat his wife very often,” said Bijay.