Odisha minor burning case: Police say no one was involved in death, father says she ‘ended life due to mental distress
Odisha police have claimed that no persons are involved in the case of the Balanga minor girl who set herself on fire. Initial reports said that three people were involved in the teenager being set on fire. The victim's father also released a video that said that the girl ended her life due to mental health issues.
The girl's father said that she “ended her life due to mental distress and that the trauma she faced was unbearable.
“All I want to say is that the Odisha government has done a lot for me and my family. I humbly request that everyone please do not politicise this tragedy. Instead, pray for her soul,” he added.
The father also said that “I can’t hold anyone responsible for my daughter’s death; perhaps she was never meant to be part of my destiny.” while speaking to PTI.
On July 19, the girl was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 75 per cent burn injuries after allegedly being set on fire near her house in the Bangala area of Puri.
She was then airlifted from Bhubaneswar to Delhi for better treatment. The police had also recorded the victim's statement and questioned her parents. She later succumbed to her injuries on August 2.
Her mother alleges that her daughter was set on fire by three miscreants who abducted her and poured an inflammable substance on her. Over 90 people have been questioned in the last two weeks, and the mobile phones of 30 suspects have also been tracked, reported Kanak news. However, no arrests have been made to date.
The police, however, did not make it clear how the girl caught fire. In a post on X, the Odisha police said, "We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the victim girl in the Balanga incident. The police have investigated with utmost sincerity. The investigation has reached its final stage. 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 statement caused a stir on social media, with many demanding answers as to how the victim was set on fire. Political leaders, civil society groups, and women’s organisations are demanding swift justice for the victim. It is not clear whether the statements suggest that the victim attempted suicide. The police are yet to investigate the reasons for her death.
India