Puri Attack: Outrage and Grief Grip Odisha as Hundreds Mourn Teen Burn Victim

Hundreds gathered in Bayabar village, Odisha’s Puri district, on Monday to pay their final respects to a 15-year-old girl who succumbed to severe burn injuries at AIIMS-Delhi on Saturday evening. The teenager, allegedly set on fire near her home in the Balanga area on July 19, suffered over 70% burns and was airlifted to Delhi for advanced treatment the following day. Her death has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha, with conflicting narratives fueling tension and grief in the community.

The girl’s mortal remains arrived late Sunday night at Biju Patnaik International Airport from Delhi and were brought to her home in Nuagopalpur bustee, Bayabar village, for mourners to offer their condolences. A local resident shared, “The girl’s body was kept at her house for people to pay their last respects to the departed soul.” Following community traditions, preparations for her burial near the village were completed, with around 100 police personnel deployed to maintain order, reflecting the heightened sensitivity of the case.

The incident has stirred controversy due to conflicting accounts. The victim’s mother filed an FIR alleging that three unidentified individuals poured an inflammable substance on her daughter and set her ablaze in broad daylight. However, Odisha Police issued a statement hours after the girl’s death, asserting that “no person was involved” and urging the public to avoid sensationalizing the matter. Adding to the complexity, the girl’s father released a video claiming his daughter took her own life due to mental distress, pleading against politicization of the tragedy.

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The case has drawn significant attention, with political leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who represents the Nimapara assembly segment, and Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattnayak, visiting the family to offer condolences. The opposition, including the BJD and Congress, has criticized the BJP-led state government, demanding justice and compensation of Rs 2 crore for the family, accusing authorities of delays in the investigation. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with calls for accountability, with hashtags like #JusticeForGirl and #OdishaOutrage trending as citizens express grief and frustration.

The police investigation remains ongoing, with authorities yet to clarify how the fire started if no foul play was involved. Reports indicate the girl underwent skin grafting and was on oxygen support at AIIMS-Delhi, but her critical condition could not be stabilized despite multiple surgeries. Women’s organizations and civil society groups have joined the chorus demanding transparency, while the village remains shrouded in an uneasy calm, with many residents staying indoors amid the tragedy.

As Bayabar prepares to lay the young girl to rest, the community grapples with grief, confusion, and unanswered questions. The incident has not only highlighted issues of child safety but also raised concerns about the handling of sensitive cases by authorities, leaving Odisha mourning a tragic loss.

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