Puri Minor Burn Victim Dies After Fortnight-Long Battle; Police Rule Out Foul Play

Bhubaneswar: After a 15-day battle for life, the 16-year-old girl from Odisha’s Puri district, who suffered severe burn injuries under mysterious circumstances, succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS, New Delhi on Saturday.

The girl, a resident of Balanga in Puri district, sustained over 75% burn injuries in an alleged attack on July 19 near Bayabar village.

She was initially admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar and was later airlifted to AIIMS Delhi the next day for advanced treatment. Despite multiple surgeries and critical care, she passed away while on ventilator support.Initial reports had suggested that three unidentified men on a motorcycle intercepted the minor, tied a handkerchief over her face, poured an inflammable substance on her and set her ablaze. The incident took place just a few kilometres away from the Balanga police station, sparking widespread outrage and demands for justice across the state.

Following her death, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy CM Pravati Parida expressed condolences and praised the efforts of the medical teams. “Despite all possible efforts by the State Government and AIIMS doctors, her life could not be saved,” CM Majhi wrote on X, praying for strength for the bereaved family.

In a heartfelt video message, the victim’s father claimed that his daughter had taken her own life due to mental distress. “The trauma she faced was unbearable. I have lost my daughter,” he said, urging people and political leaders not to politicise the tragedy and instead pray for her soul.Meanwhile, Odisha Police, in a statement issued soon after her death, stated that no evidence had emerged so far to support the involvement of any third party in the incident. “The investigation was carried out with utmost sincerity and is in its final stage. We request all to maintain sensitivity and refrain from reacting to unverified claims,” the police said on X.

Police officials had earlier recorded the girl’s statement at AIIMS Delhi, in the presence of a woman DSP and the Balanga IIC. However, the revelation by her father and the official police position have added a new layer of complexity to the case.

The incident has triggered protests and political reactions across Odisha, with several women’s rights groups and opposition parties demanding a thorough and transparent probe.