A 13–14-year-old Class 8 student is in critical condition after being found burnt in a field at Firingimal village under Gaisilat police limits in Odisha’s Bargarh district on Monday morning.
The girl, who was visiting her maternal uncle’s house, was discovered unconscious in a local football field with severe burns across her body. The circumstances remain unclear, with locals claiming it was a case of self-immolation, though police have not confirmed whether she set herself ablaze or was attacked.
Villagers alleged a delay of over 45 minutes in ambulance arrival, during which they administered first aid and repeatedly appealed for emergency help. They also criticised poor ambulance and police response in the area.
The victim was eventually taken to hospital, where her condition is reported as critical. Some residents said she is from the Tendapatar area. Authorities are yet to receive statements from her family, and an investigation is underway to determine whether foul play was involved.
