In a horrifying incident in Odisha’s Puri district, three men on a motorcycle ambushed a 15-year-old girl, doused her with kerosene, and set her on fire. The attack occurred around 8:30 AM as the Class IX dropout was walking to a relative’s home, roughly a kilometer from her residence. The victim, now fighting for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with severe burns, was attacked near the Bhargavi riverbank, where the assailants fled after she screamed in agony.
Local residents rushed to her aid after hearing her cries, with one individual extinguishing the flames and providing fresh clothes before alerting her family and authorities. An ambulance transported her to the hospital, where a 14-member medical team is overseeing her treatment. “She is in the ICU with oxygen support, conscious and able to speak, but we’ll know more about her prognosis after 48 hours,” a hospital official told . The government has pledged to cover all medical expenses, as confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who expressed shock and sorrow over the incident.
Puri police, led by SP Pinak Mishra, have launched an intensive investigation, forming a special squad to apprehend the perpetrators. A scientific team is analyzing the crime scene, where a bottle believed to have contained kerosene was recovered. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and interrogating locals to identify the suspects. The girl’s statement was recorded in the presence of a magistrate, and her mother has filed a formal complaint. Initial police inquiries suggest a possible motive linked to a soured relationship, though no definitive cause has been established.
ALSO READ : 15 Year Old Girl Tied Up, Doused With Petrol; Trinamool Congress Attacks BJP
The attack has sparked outrage, with former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemning the incident on X, highlighting a perceived rise in crimes against women in Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured that the government is closely monitoring the victim’s treatment and promised swift action against the culprits, stating, “If needed, she will be airlifted to AIIMS New Delhi.” The investigation continues as police work to uncover the motive and bring the perpetrators to justice.