Odisha Teen Critically Injured in Fire Incident Airlifted to Delhi, Cops suspect self-immolation

BHUBANESWAR: A 15-year-old girl from Odisha’s Puri district, severely injured with 70-75% burn injuries, was airlifted to AIIMS New Delhi on Sunday for advanced medical treatment following a horrific incident. The teen, a class 9 dropout, was reportedly attacked near a river embankment in Bayabar village around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. According to her statement and her mother’s complaint to the police, three masked assailants intercepted her, rendered her unconscious with a chemical-soaked cloth, doused her with kerosene, and set her ablaze. She managed to flee to a nearby residence, where locals extinguished the flames and provided her with fresh clothing before alerting authorities.

Initially admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the girl’s condition stabilized slightly, with her blood pressure improving, allowing for her transfer to the national capital. “Her blood pressure, which was low, improved today. It was safe to transfer her,” said AIIMS Bhubaneswar executive director Ashutosh Biswas. At AIIMS New Delhi, she remains in stable but critical condition, receiving specialized care.

Police investigations, as reported indicate the attackers used chemicals to incapacitate the victim before the assault. Authorities have ruled out sexual assault based on the teen’s statement. However, investigators are also exploring the possibility of self-immolation, though the girl’s account aligns with her mother’s claim of an attack by three men. The police continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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The case has sparked public outrage, with protests demanding justice for the victim, especially as it follows a similar self-immolation incident in Balasore a week earlier.