Sadly, the 15-year-old girl from Odisha's Puri, who tragically suffered burn injuries, has passed away in AIIMS Delhi.
In a tragic turn of events, a 15-year-old girl from the Balanga area in Puri district, Odisha, has passed away. The girl was the victim of an alleged kidnapping and arson incident that took place on July 19, 2025, near the Bhargavi River.
According to reports, the girl sustained severe burn injuries and was initially treated locally. She was then transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar and later airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical care. Despite multiple surgeries and skin grafting, she battled for over two weeks before succumbing to her injuries.
The investigation into the incident was handled by the Odisha Police, with a team from Balanga police leading the inquiry. However, the police's investigation so far has found no evidence of involvement by others, contradicting the victim's mother's FIR alleging kidnapping and arson by three miscreants.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, as no confirmed information has emerged publicly. The case has triggered public outrage and political debate over women's safety in Odisha, with officials assuring support to the victim's family and promising a thorough investigation.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed the girl's death on July 31, 2025, in a tweet. He expressed his shock over the incident and offered condolences to the family. The tweet included a picture related to the incident and a prayer for the girl's soul to rest in peace.
The government made extensive efforts to save the girl's life, including round-the-clock endeavours of a specialist medical team at AIIMS Delhi. The girl's father suggested that mental depression may have contributed to her death.
This incident has once again brought to light the issue of women's safety in Odisha and the need for stricter measures to protect its citizens. The police have vowed to continue their investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Political debate over women's safety in Odisha intensified following the tragic death of the 15-year-old girl, as reports of the alleged kidnapping and arson incident stirred public outrage. Meanwhile, general news outlets covered the investigation by the Odisha Police, with crime-and-justice sections reporting on the lack of evidence supporting the victim's mother's allegation. Despite extensive efforts from the government and medical teams, the incident highlighted the need for war-and-conflicts-related strategies to better protect citizens from such incidents.
