Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed in the Assembly today that the Balanga victim, previously believed to have been attacked, had in fact set herself on fire.
Responding to a question by MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, the Chief Minister cited the victim’s dying declaration recorded at AIIMS, Delhi, where she was undergoing treatment. According to the official statement, the woman admitted to pouring kerosene on herself and igniting the fire.
The incident, which occurred on July 19 in Puri’s Balanga area, initially sparked outrage after the victim’s mother alleged that unknown individuals had forcibly taken her daughter to a riverside location and attempted to kill her using kerosene and petrol. Based on this complaint, a criminal case was registered and an investigation launched.
However, the victim’s final statement—recorded in the presence of doctors and Delhi court officials—contradicted the earlier claims, stating that she acted alone. The revelation has prompted a reassessment of the case and raised questions about the circumstances leading to her tragic decision.
The victim succumbed to her injuries after 14 days of treatment at AIIMS. The case continues to stir public debate over mental health, domestic pressures, and the need for early intervention in distress situations.
