Condition of Teenager from Odisha Air-Lifted to AIIMS-Delhi Grave
A 15- to 16-year-old girl from Odisha's Puri district is fighting for her life after being brutally set on fire by three unidentified men on July 19, 2025. The attack took place in Bayabar village near Balanga police station, approximately 1.5 km from the station.
The perpetrators ambushed and kidnapped the girl, taking her to the banks of the River Bhargavi where they tied her up, doused her with a flammable liquid, and set her ablaze. Locals heard her screams, rushed to her aid, extinguished the fire, and transported her to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for urgent medical care.
The victim has suffered about 70-75% burn injuries, including her back, abdomen, and other parts of her body. Currently, she is undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar in a serious but reportedly stable condition. Due to the severity of her burns, plans are underway to airlift her to AIIMS New Delhi for further specialized treatment.
The Odisha police have launched a manhunt for the three miscreants who fled the scene immediately after the attack. The Balanga police station and local authorities are investigating the case actively. Police are trying to determine the motive of the crime and whether a conspiracy was involved; however, the victim’s family has ruled out personal enmity or love affair as causes.
The deputy chief minister of Odisha, who oversees the Women and Child Development Department, has condemned the attack, assured full government support for the victim’s treatment, and directed strict action against the culprits.
The brutal incident has sparked protests outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar, demanding swift justice and stronger protective measures for women and children. This incident comes shortly after another tragic case in Odisha, where a college student died by self-immolation following sexual harassment, highlighting ongoing concerns about women’s safety in the region.
Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania visited the crime scene and reviewed the investigation. The girl's statement regarding the attack has been recorded by the police. She was initially taken to the community health centre in Pipili, then referred to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar due to the severity of her injuries. The girl was flown from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar to AIIMS-New Delhi by a special air ambulance.
The investigation teams have interrogated eight individuals, including the victim's paternal aunt and cousin brother. Kerosene and other materials were seized from the houses of the individuals interrogated by the investigation team. Investigators have obtained vital clues that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
The police are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward and help bring the perpetrators to justice. The community is encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the local authorities. The government is committed to supporting the investigation and treatment efforts, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, especially women and children.
Science and health-and-wellness professionals are closely monitoring the condition of the girl who suffered severe burn injuries due to the crime-and-justice incident in Odisha. Meanwhile, mental-health professionals are also working with the victim's family and community, providing necessary support amidst the ongoing general-news about the attack.
