The self-immolation death of a 13-year-old Class 8 student in Bargarh district has taken a new twist, with her family rejecting reports of domestic disputes and pointing instead to a suspicious phone call shortly before the incident.
The tragedy occurred at her maternal uncle’s home in Phiringimal village under Gaisilat police limits. The girl, who sustained severe burns, was first taken to a nearby hospital and later shifted to VIMSAR, Burla, where she succumbed during treatment.
Her maternal uncle told the media there was no quarrel at home that day. He claimed the girl was found sitting in a shed with a petrol container, and when asked about it, she ran to a nearby open field and set herself on fire. He alleged she may have been upset over a conversation involving a boy and a girl, possibly linked to earlier harassment by another girl, as hinted in her purported final statement.
“There was no family dispute. She lived here happily. The torture came from someone outside the family, and we want police to investigate that,” he said.
An audio clip believed to be her last statement has surfaced, in which she identifies herself and suggests harassment by another girl. Police are verifying its authenticity.
A special investigation team is probing all angles, including harassment, personal relationships, and events on the morning of the incident. Officials have seized a video recorded by the victim, questioned locals, including a petrol seller, and are awaiting post-mortem and forensic reports.
Three people have been detained for questioning, but no arrests have been made yet. A petrol bottle and matchbox were recovered from the scene.
