Bhubaneswar: The 15-year-old girl from Balanga in Puri district lost her life after battling severe burn injuries sustained on July 19.The minor girl was reportedly attacked near Bayabar village in Balanga when unidentified assailants poured a flammable substance on her and set her on fire in broad daylight. Despite receiving critical care and sustained medical intervention at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and subsequently at AIIMS Delhi, her condition remained critical.The Odisha Government extended all possible support throughout her treatment, coordinating with top medical professionals to ensure the best care. However, her injuries proved too severe, and she passed away. The victim had suffered over 75% burn injuries and was on ventilator support for several days.She was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi on July 20 for advanced treatment. Taking to his X handle, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated, “I am deeply shocked to hear the news of the death of the girl victim in the Balangir incident. Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock endeavors of the specialist medical team at AIIMS Delhi, her life could not be saved. I pray for the eternal peace of the girl’s soul and beseech God to grant strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss.”
Deputy CM Pravati Parida tweeted, “Following an unexpected and unfortunate incident, the victim from Balanga, who was under treatment at Delhi AIIMS, has passed away. While praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul, I express my condolences to her family in this sorrowful situation. Despite all efforts by the medical team and the government, we are deeply saddened that she could not be saved.”
Meanwhile, Odisha Police on Saturday claimed that no other person was involved in the incident, even though the victim’s mother in her FIR had alleged that three unknown miscreants had set her daughter on fire.The police, however, did not make it clear how the girl was set on fire. In a post on X, Odisha Police said: “…the police have conducted the investigation 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”.The police also requested all not to make any sensitive comments regarding this matter during this tragic moment.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 conducted the investigation 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.”