Odisha Minor Set on Fire Dies in Delhi; Police Claim No Foul Play
A 15-year-old girl from Odisha’s Puri district, who was allegedly set on fire by unidentified individuals on July 19, succumbed to her injuries at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi . The case has taken a significant turn as the Odisha Police now claim their investigation indicates no other person was involved, contradicting the initial allegations of abduction and assault .
The tragic incident occurred when the Class 10 student was found with approximately 75% burn injuries on the banks of the Bhargavi river in the Balanga area . The initial complaint, filed by the girl’s mother, alleged that three men on a motorcycle kidnapped her, took her to a secluded area, and set her on fire . After being found, she was first taken to a local community health center, then transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and finally airlifted to the specialized burns unit at AIIMS in New Delhi on July 20 for advanced medical care .
Following the girl’s death, the Odisha Police released a statement on the social media platform X, stating that their investigation was nearing completion. “According to the investigation conducted so far, it is clear that no other person is involved. Therefore, we request everyone not to make any sensitive comments regarding this matter during this tragic moment,” the police wrote . Authorities have not yet publicly clarified the circumstances that led to the girl sustaining the severe burns . Before her passing, the girl’s statement was officially recorded by the police in the presence of a magistrate at AIIMS Delhi .
The news of her death was met with an outpouring of grief from political leaders. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the victim in the Balanga incident. Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock efforts of the expert medical team at AIIMS Delhi, his life could not be saved” . Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family . The state government had committed to covering all expenses related to her treatment .
In the wake of this tragedy, the girl’s father has urged for an end to the politicization of his daughter’s death. He told reporters, “The government has cooperated as much as possible. My daughter has lost her life due to mental depression” . The incident has caused widespread public outrage, especially as it follows another recent case in Balasore where a college student died by self-immolation after alleging sexual harassment . Political opposition parties have demanded a comprehensive investigation into the matter
