Although initial claims alleged that three individuals were involved in setting the 15-year-old girl on fire, Odisha Police said they have found no indication of involvement by any other person in the incident.
A 15-year-old girl who was allegedly set on fire by three unidentified individuals in Odisha’s Puri district on July 19 has died while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed on Saturday.
“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the victim in the Balanga incident. Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock efforts of the expert medical team at AIIMS Delhi, his life could not be saved,” tweeted Majhi.
The incident occurred on the banks of the river Bhargavi, where the girl sustained 75 pe rcent burn injuries. She was initially treated at the Pipili Community Health Centre and later moved to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
On July 20, she was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment, where she underwent multiple surgeries and skin grafting procedures before she died. Shortly after her death, Odisha Police said their investigation had found no evidence of involvement by any other individual in the incident.
However, they did not explain how the girl was set ablaze, despite the initial FIR filed by her mother alleging that three unidentified persons abducted her and set her on fire with an inflammable substance. The girl was reportedly attacked while walking home after visiting a friend.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the victim girl in the Balanga incident. The police have conducted the investigation with utmost sincerity. The investigation has reached its final stage. According to the investigation conducted so far, it is clear that no other person is involved. Therefore, we request everyone not to make any sensitive comments regarding this matter during this tragic moment,” wrote Odisha Police on X.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik condoled the girl’s death.
“Deeply saddened and anguished to know that the young girl set on fire in #Balanga area of #Puri District passed away while undergoing treatment in AIIMS. My condolences to the young girl and prayers are with the family members in the hour of grief. May God give the family members strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he wrote on X.
