15-year-old set on fire by 3 men in Odisha just 500m from her house

A 15-year-old girl sustained severe burn injuries after being set on fire by three men in Bayabar village of Odisha’s Puri district on Saturday. The incident occurred when the girl was on her way to a friend’s house, around 1.5 km from the Balanga police station. She was taken to the banks of the River Bhargavi, doused in petrol, and set ablaze.

The girl was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she is undergoing treatment for 70% burn injuries. A senior police official confirmed that the victim suffered burns on her back, abdomen, and other parts of the body. The police have launched a manhunt to trace and arrest the three accused who fled the spot after the attack.

The victim’s cousin stated, “My sister was going to her friend's place carrying some books. On the way, three people kidnapped her. They tied her up near the river and set her on fire using petrol. We don't know why she was attacked. We have filed a complaint with the police.” He said the incident took place barely 500 metres from their house.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, said the government would bear all expenses for the girl's treatment. “I am deeply pained and shocked to hear the news that some miscreants in the Balanga region poured petrol on a fifteen-year-old girl on the road and set her on fire... All necessary arrangements are being made for her treatment. The police administration has been directed to arrest the culprits immediately and take strict action,” Parida said.

The incident occurred days after a 20-year-old college student from Balasore district set herself on fire following alleged inaction over her sexual harassment complaint against a professor. The student died from 95% burns at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. An assistant professor has been arrested in connection with that case, and a fact-finding team has visited the college.