Odisha minor who was set on fire to be airlifted to Delhi AIIMS

The 15-year-old girl who was set on fire by unidentified assailants in Odisha’s Puri district was admitted to AIIMS, Delhi, for ‘advanced treatment’ on Sunday.

“Patient with 75% burns was airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar and received at AIIMS, New Delhi, at 4.20 pm. She is currently admitted to the Burn ICU in the Burns and Plastic Surgery block. Her condition is critical, and she is on oxygen support. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition,” said a statement issued by AIIMS, Delhi.

According to sources, three assailants on a motorcycle ambushed the minor at an isolated place in Puri, tied a handkerchief around her face, doused her with a flammable substance and set her ablaze before fleeing Saturday. On hearing her screams, residents rushed to her help and took her to a hospital.

Before she was airlifted, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, director Ashutosh Biswas said there was some improvement in her condition. The decision to airlift her was taken to ensure advanced treatment at AIIMS, Delhi, one of the best medical institutes in India.

A team of doctors and two of her relatives accompanied the victim to Delhi, said officials.

“I am deeply saddened by the incident that occurred in Balanga, Puri district. The victim has been airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for the best possible treatment. The state government will ensure all necessary facilities for this. Personally, I pray to Lord Jagannath for the girl’s speedy recovery,” Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi posted on X.

A case has been lodged at Balanga police station in Puri but the police are yet to make any arrests. Puri SP Pinak Mishra said a team had collected “vital physical evidence” from the crime scene.

Odisha DGP Y B Khurania also visited the crime scene on Sunday to take stock of the investigation and also held discussions with the family members of the victim.

“Two forensic teams have collected evidence from the site. We have some information while more details are being collected… We will soon be able to share information about the incident,” the DGP told reporters.

The investigating team is questioning some of the close friends of the victim as well as her relatives.
Meanwhile, the Opposition BJD gheraoed the Balanga police station over the incident and threatened to intensify their protest if the accused are not arrested soon. The protesters got into a scuffle with police personnel as they stopped them from forcing their way into the police station.