Odisha Horror: 16-year-old Girl Set Ablaze By Unidentified Youths In Puri District
Victim sustains 70–75% burns; AIIMS-Bhubaneswar authorities say next 48 hours critical
Bhubaneswar: A 16-year-old girl sustained severe burn injuries after three unidentified youths allegedly set her on fire in a shocking broad daylight attack in Puri district's Nimapada region on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred around 8.30 a.m. in the Bayabar area, barely 1.5 km from the Balanga police station. According to police sources, the victim—a Plus II student—was on her way to deliver books to a friend when she was intercepted by three men near a deserted stretch along the Bhargavi River road.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers forcibly lifted the girl and set her ablaze before fleeing the scene. Locals, alerted by her screams and the sight of smoke, rushed to rescue her and called for help.
The girl, who suffered 70–75 per cent burns on her hands, legs, and torso, was initially taken to the Community Health Centre in Pipili and later referred to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar due to the severity of her injuries. She was subsequently shifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar (AIIMS-Bhubaneswar), for advanced care.
AIIMS-Bhubaneswar Director Ashutosh Biswas said the condition of the victim from Balanga in Puri, who was set on fire by some unidentified assailants in broad daylight, remained critical and the next 72 hours were crucial. He further informed that the victim was not on a ventilator but was receiving oxygen support in the ICU.
“The victim is currently in critical condition with 70–75 percent burns. We are trying to maintain her blood pressure level. We are providing the treatment required for the second- and third-degree burns. Proper dressing has been done. The next 48 hours are important, and the challenge will be to protect the organs,” said Biswas.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, while announcing that the culprits will be brought to book and dealt with the strictest possible punishment provided under law, said the state government was in touch with AIIMS-Delhi and, if required, the patient would be airlifted there for more advanced treatment.
The victim’s family has ruled out any “personal rivalry” or “romantic involvement” as possible motives. As of Saturday evening, no arrests had been made, and the identities of the accused remain unknown.
State Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania said special teams had been formed to identify the culprits and apprehend them.
Meanwhile, the police have recorded the statement of the girl with regard to the brutal assault on her. Sources said the police have obtained some vital clues that will lead them to the accused.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida condemned the attack as “barbaric” and assured stringent action.
“This is a heart-wrenching crime. I have directed the police to arrest the culprits immediately and ensure swift justice,” she said.
Parida also confirmed that the state government would bear the cost of the girl’s treatment and announced plans to visit AIIMS to personally check on the victim’s condition.
The brutal assault comes on the heels of another tragic incident in Balasore earlier this month, where a girl student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College died after allegedly immolating herself following prolonged harassment. That case had also triggered public outrage and demands for greater protection of women and girls in the state.
