In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across Odisha, three miscreants allegedly set a minor girl on fire in Bayabar village under Balanga police station in Puri district on July 19, 2025.
The victim, suffering from 70% burn injuries, is fighting for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she was shifted from the Trauma Care Unit to the Burn Unit for specialised treatment. A dedicated medical team is monitoring her condition, and she remains conscious, receiving oxygen support as needed without requiring a ventilator.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep concern over the incident, condemning the heinous act and assuring swift justice. “The government is taking this matter with utmost seriousness. A special police team has been formed to apprehend the culprits, who are being pursued in an operational mode. The guilty will face stringent punishment as per the law,” he stated.
The state government has pledged to cover all medical expenses and is prepared to airlift the victim to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment, including potential skin grafting, if required.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also voiced his grief, describing the incident as “heart-wrenching” and reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring justice. “The culprits will face strict action, and we pray for the victim’s speedy recovery,” he wrote on social media. However, the incident has sparked political controversy.
Congress MLA Sofia Firdous criticised the state government, alleging its failure to ensure women’s safety and raising concerns about a possible sexual assault in the case. Demanding transparency from the government and AIIMS authorities, she called for President’s Rule in Odisha and urged the government to resign. “If airlifting or skin grafting is needed, the government must act immediately,” Firdous emphasised.
Puri SP Pinak Mishra confirmed that a special police team is conducting a thorough investigation into the sensitive case. The authorities are working to uncover the circumstances leading to this brutal act and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. The government remains in close contact with AIIMS Bhubaneswar to monitor the victim’s condition and provide all necessary support.
As the investigation continues, the incident has raised serious concerns about women’s safety in the state, with calls for stricter measures to prevent such atrocities. The people of Odisha await justice for the young victim, whose resilience in the face of this tragedy has touched many hearts.
