Odisha shocker: Minor girl set on fire by miscreants; victim critical at AIIMS Bhubaneswar

In a shocking incident, a 15-year-old girl was set on fire by some unidentified persons in Odisha’s Puri district on Saturday.

 

The victim, a plus-two student, is undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, after suffering 70 per cent burn injuries.

 

The harrowing incident reportedly took place at 9 am at Bayabar village under Balanda police station in Nimapada block, some 1.5 kilometres from the girl's home. Three young men on motorcycles stopped the girl as she was going to her friend's house.

 

The accused forcefully took the girl to the banks of Bhargavi River, sprinkled an inflammable substance on her body, and set her on fire, PTI reported, quoting a police officer.

 

On seeing the flames, local people quickly arrived at the spot, but not before the culprits managed to flee. They doused the fire and took the girl to the Pipili government hospital, from where she was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

 

According to police, the girl suffered burn injuries on her back, abdomen and other parts.

 

Govt to bear treatment expenses

 

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who is in charge of the Women and Child Development Department, said the government will bear the expenses of the girl's treatment. She said the police have been asked to arrest the culprits as soon as possible.

 

"The girl has been immediately shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and all arrangements are being made for her treatment. All the expenses of the treatment will be borne by the government. The police administration has been directed to arrest the culprits immediately and take strict action," the minister wrote on X.

 

Manhunt launched

 

Police have formed two teams to investigate the case while a manhunt has been launched to nab the culprits.

 

They have already questioned some people and are trying to search for clues from CCTV cameras installed in private homes in the area.

 

"This morning, we received information that a minor girl was assaulted and an inflammable substance was used to set her on fire. The girl was rescued and was referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The entire incident is being investigated. Special teams have been formed to nab the accused. We will get a breakthrough very soon," SP Pinak Mishra said.

India