BHUBANESWAR: A 15-year-old girl from Odisha’s Puri district, who suffered 70-75% burn injuries in an alleged attack by three masked men, was airlifted to AIIMS New Delhi on Sunday. She is currently in stable condition.
The girl, a class 9 dropout, was reportedly on her way to a relative’s home around 8:30 am on Saturday when she was intercepted near a river embankment. According to her statement and her mother’s complaint, the assailants forced her to inhale chemicals, rendered her unconscious, then poured kerosene and set her on fire. She managed to scream for help and fled to a nearby house where residents extinguished the flames and provided fresh clothes. She was initially treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar before being transferred after her condition improved.
“Her blood pressure, which was initially low, has improved, making it safe to transfer her,” said Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Police have ruled out sexual assault, as the girl denied any such incident during the investigation. However, they are now exploring the possibility of self-immolation. Forensic teams recovered a plastic container from her home that matches the kerosene bottles found at the scene.
“We are investigating all angles,” said IGP S. Praveen Kumar.
“She stated she regained consciousness only after being set on fire. We are verifying all details,” added SP Pinak Mishra.
