Puri: The tragic death of a 15-year-old girl from Balanga in Puri district has sparked public outrage and political criticism, even as the Odisha Police ruled out any third-party involvement in the Puri girl burning case. The girl, who sustained severe burns under mysterious circumstances on July 19, succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Delhi on Saturday.
Family Alleges Abduction and Murder
The victim’s mother filed an FIR alleging that three unidentified persons abducted and set her daughter on fire near their home. She claimed the attackers used an inflammable substance and left the girl critically injured.
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Despite these serious allegations, police stated there was no evidence to support the claim that anyone else was involved. In an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), Odisha Police said:
“The police have conducted the investigation with utmost sincerity… According to the findings so far, it is clear that no other person is involved.”
Police Investigation Under Scrutiny
The investigation has left crucial questions unanswered, such as how the girl sustained burn injuries if no foul play was involved. Odisha Police confirmed the girl was with friends before the incident and may have been taken to a riverside, but stopped short of clarifying the exact sequence of events.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, and forensic and dog squads were deployed. However, public dissatisfaction with the pace and transparency of the investigation continues to grow.
ALSO READ| Balanga Minor Girl Dies After Being Set on Fire; CM Majhi Mourns Tragic Incident
Political Reactions and Law & Order Debate
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from BJD leaders. MP Sasmit Patra called for “strong action” and said the safety of citizens in Odisha is under threat if perpetrators are not brought to justice.
BJD MP Amar Patnaik also lashed out at the state government, saying:
“Odisha was known as a peaceful state, and that image has been shattered beyond words.”
Even former Chief Minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik posted on X expressing sorrow:
“Deeply saddened… May God give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.”
Deeply saddened and anguished to know that the young girl set on fire in #Balanga area of #Puri District passed away while undergoing treatment in AIIMS. My condolences for the young girl and prayers are with the family members in the hour grief. May God give the family members…
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 2, 2025
The girl was initially treated in Bhubaneswar, before being airlifted to AIIMS Delhi, where she battled for her life for over a week. Her death has reignited concerns over women’s safety in Odisha, particularly following a similar case in Balasore, where a 20-year-old college student died after a self-immolation attempt over alleged harassment.
As the Puri girl burning case remains under the scanner, questions persist over the accuracy of the police narrative, the nature of the evidence collected, and the delay in reaching conclusions. With public trust and women’s safety at stake, many are demanding greater accountability and justice for the deceased.
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