Tragedy in Puri: Teen Dies After Horrific Fire Incident
Odisha is reeling from the tragic death of a 15-year-old girl who succumbed to severe burn injuries after she was allegedly set on fire by unidentified individuals in Puri district last month. The incident, which took place on July 19, has stirred outrage and protests across the state, with political parties and civil society demanding justice.
The girl, a Class 10 student from Bayabar village under Balanga police limits, had reportedly been abducted by three unknown individuals riding bicycles. According to her initial statement recorded by police, she was rendered unconscious and then set ablaze near the Bhargavi River. The victim, who sustained over 70 percent burn injuries, managed to escape and sought shelter in a nearby home before being rushed to a local community health center.
Her condition prompted authorities to move her to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, and she was later airlifted to AIIMS-Delhi for advanced treatment. Despite multiple surgeries and medical care, she succumbed to her injuries on Saturday. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences and called the incident a devastating loss for the state.
Police Statement: “No Other Person Involved”
In an official statement issued on Sunday, the Odisha Police declared that the investigation into the case is nearing completion. According to the police, all available evidence points to no external involvement in the incident beyond what was initially reported.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the victim girl in the Balanga incident,” the police said in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter). “The police have conducted a thorough investigation. The investigation has reached its final stage. Based on the findings so far, it is clear that no other person is involved in this incident. We request the public to refrain from making any sensitive or speculative remarks at this tragic time.”
The statement has, however, raised more questions than answers. The victim had earlier alleged that three assailants were responsible for the attack, and her dying declaration was part of the initial police records. The police, however, have not yet clarified whether any arrests have been made or if the accused are known or identified.
Public Anger and Political Outcry
The incident has led to widespread public outrage, particularly among opposition parties and women’s rights groups. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staged a gherao outside a local police station in protest, demanding a fair and transparent investigation. Several activists have questioned the police’s clean chit given to “others” even before the investigation is officially closed.
Critics argue that the police statement appears contradictory to the victim’s account and have demanded that the government bring in an independent agency to probe the case further.
“This is not just a crime against one girl—it’s a blot on the conscience of the state. If the victim clearly named individuals, how can the police rule out third-party involvement without public disclosure of investigation details?” said a spokesperson for a local women’s rights group.
A Grim Pattern
The incident also comes close on the heels of another shocking case in Odisha’s Balasore district, where a 20-year-old college student died following a self-immolation attempt. She had accused a professor at Fakir Mohan College of sexual harassment. These back-to-back incidents have raised serious concerns over the safety of women and girls in the state.
Chief Minister Majhi, while offering condolences, has promised that the government will take strict action based on the final investigation report. “We will ensure that justice is served. The case will be monitored closely by senior officials,” he said in a brief statement to the media.
As Odisha mourns the loss of yet another young life, the spotlight remains firmly on law enforcement and whether the investigation will hold up to public scrutiny. The people of Puri, and indeed the entire state, await clarity, accountability, and above all, justice.
