A horrific incident has sent shockwaves through Odisha’s Puri district, where a minor girl was abducted, doused with kerosene, and set on fire by three unidentified assailants in Bayabar village, under Balanga police station limits.
The brutal attack, which left 70-75% of the victim’s body severely burned, has sparked widespread outrage, with political parties staging protests and demanding justice.
The girl, now fighting for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s Burn Unit, managed to escape her attackers and was rescued by locals, but her critical condition has raised concerns about her survival.
The Incident
The minor was on her way to her grandfather’s house in the morning when the perpetrators, who had been trailing her, abducted her near a riverbank. According to the victim’s mother, the assailants poured kerosene on her and set her ablaze. Displaying remarkable presence of mind, the girl escaped and was rescued by villagers. However, her injuries are severe, with burns covering her chest, abdomen, thighs, and legs, sparing only her face. Parts of her head were also affected, and medical reports indicate second and third-degree burns, with exposed flesh in some areas. The victim was initially admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s Trauma Care unit before being shifted to the Burn Unit for specialised treatment.
AIIMS Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas described her condition as critical, stating that the next 48-72 hours will be pivotal for her survival. A 14-member medical team, led by Dr. Sanjay Giri and including specialists like Prof. Anupam De and Prof. Manoj Panigrahi, is working tirelessly to stabilise her. She is currently in the ICU on oxygen support, though not on a ventilator, and remains able to communicate despite her fragile mental and physical state.
Family’s Anguish
The victim’s mother, speaking at AIIMS, expressed her grief and anger, demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and strict action against them. “They tried to burn my daughter alive. Her entire body, except her face, is burned. We want justice,” she said, recounting how the assailants followed her daughter before abducting her near the riverbank. The victim’s father, Immat Alli, revealed that his daughter could not identify the attackers, making the investigation challenging until she recovers further. “She spoke to us at AIIMS, but she doesn’t know who did this. We don’t know if she had any disputes with anyone,” he said, urging the police to take swift action.
Police Investigation
An FIR was filed at Balanga police station by the victim’s mother, prompting a swift response from authorities. The victim’s statement was recorded under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the presence of doctors, a magistrate, and Balanga police. Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Pinak Mishra is personally overseeing the investigation, with a forensic team collecting evidence from the crime scene and a dog squad deployed for further clues. A special team, led by the Balanga police station’s Officer-in-Charge (OIC), has been formed to probe the case.
State Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania visited AIIMS to assess the situation and assured that the culprits would be apprehended soon. “This is an unthinkable crime. The SP is supervising the investigation, and we are confident of identifying the accused. Strict action will be taken as per the law,” he stated. The police are exploring all angles, with further questioning of the victim planned once her condition stabilizes.
Political Outcry and Protests
The incident has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition parties BJD and Congress staging protests outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s Burn Unit. BJD leader Lekhashree Samantsinghar lambasted the state government for its failure to ensure women’s safety, pointing to a reported 8% rise in crimes against women in Odisha over the past year. “The government is a mute spectator. Criminals are emboldened because no action is taken, as seen in the Balasore FM College case. The Deputy CM, Higher Education Minister, and CM must resign, or President’s Rule should be imposed,” she demanded. BJD’s Ipsita Sahu called for the victim to be airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment.
Congress leaders, including former minister Srikant Jena and Youth Congress president Ranjit Patra, also protested, alleging that ruling party leaders were allowed to visit the victim while opposition members were restricted. Tensions flared in the hospital lobby, with Congress workers forming a human chain to demand equal access. AIIMS authorities issued a notice prohibiting gatherings near the Burn Unit to prevent infections and disruptions, with barricades set up to limit access, particularly for political figures.
Public and Official Response
The incident has drawn comparisons to a recent case at Balasore FM College, amplifying public outrage over recurring violence against women in Odisha. AIIMS Bhubaneswar has taken measures to manage the situation, emphasising the need for a sterile environment in the Burn Unit. The hospital’s notice urged the public and political leaders to avoid crowding, citing risks to patient care and infection control.
The state police have vowed to expedite the investigation, with forensic evidence and the victim’s statement expected to provide critical leads. However, the inability to identify the perpetrators immediately has heightened concerns about delays in justice. The case has also spotlighted broader issues of women’s safety in Odisha, with opposition parties accusing the government of inaction.
What’s Next?
As the minor battles for her life, the focus remains on her recovery and the pursuit of justice. The medical team at AIIMS Bhubaneswar is working around the clock, while the police intensify efforts to track down the culprits.
The incident has reignited debates over the state’s law-and-order situation, with calls for systemic reforms to protect women and ensure swift punishment for such heinous crimes.
The people of Odisha await answers, justice, and assurance that such atrocities will not recur. For now, the minor’s courage and resilience remain a beacon of hope amid a tragedy that has shaken the conscience of the state.
