The mortal remains of a 15-year-old girl from Odisha’s Puri district, who succumbed to severe burn injuries at AIIMS Delhi, will be airlifted to Bhubaneswar on Sunday for her final rites, officials confirmed.
The girl was allegedly abducted and set on fire by unidentified miscreants in Balanga on July 19. She sustained 75% burn injuries and was initially treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar before being shifted to AIIMS Delhi’s Trauma Centre, where she passed away on Friday. Her postmortem was completed, and her body has been handed over to her family.
According to police, the victim had gone out with friends when she was abducted and taken to a riverside location, where the assault took place. Despite her condition, she managed to reach a nearby house and was rushed to the hospital by her cousin.
The case has ignited widespread outrage and political tension in Odisha, with opposition leaders slamming the state government over deteriorating law and order and women’s safety.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra, speaking from AIIMS Delhi, expressed deep anguish and demanded justice. “Unless such perpetrators are punished, no one is safe in Odisha. The government must wake up and take strong action,” he said, extending condolences to the victim’s family.
BJD leader Amar Patnaik also criticized the state administration, stating, “Odisha’s image as a peaceful state is now shattered. These recurring incidents highlight the growing lawlessness, especially against women.”
Meanwhile, Odisha Police has urged restraint on public commentary, saying the investigation is in its final stage and no other individuals appear to be involved. “We request everyone not to make sensitive remarks during this tragic time,” the police stated in a post on X.
The tragic incident has once again brought the spotlight on the safety of women in Odisha and raised urgent questions about accountability and justice.
