A Community in Mourning
Bayabar village in Puri’s Balanga block was steeped in sorrow on Sunday as residents gathered for the funeral of a young girl who died after battling severe burn injuries for nearly two weeks. The heartbreaking scene was made even more painful as her grandfather, Mir Liaquat Ali, personally dug her grave—a task no grandparent ever imagines. His trembling hands and tearful eyes reflected the deep anguish felt by the family and the close-knit village.
Body Brought Back from Delhi
The girl had been undergoing treatment in New Delhi before she succumbed to her injuries. Her body arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar at 11 PM on Sunday, flown in via an IndiGo flight that departed Delhi at 9 PM. From there, the body was transported to her native village in Balanga for burial. The somber funeral saw friends, family, and neighbors silently gather, their grief intensifying with every passing moment.
Leaders Visit, But Trust Wavers
Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattnayak visited the village before the funeral, expressing condolences and assuring that justice would be served. Despite these assurances, villagers have raised serious concerns over the handling of the case by local authorities. There are growing doubts about the transparency of the investigation and the response by the police.
Allegations and Contradictions
A relative of the girl, Dukhi Shyam, had earlier alleged that three young men on a motorcycle set the girl on fire. He claimed that he was repeatedly questioned by the DSP and has since avoided speaking to the media, fueling speculation about possible pressure from authorities. Meanwhile, police officials have previously maintained that no third party was involved, creating confusion and suspicion among the villagers.
Calls for Clarity and Justice
The victim’s father had earlier released a video asking people not to politicize the tragedy. Still, unanswered questions persist—what led the girl to such distress? If there were no outside attackers, where did the story of the motorcycle gang originate? The silence and inconsistencies have only intensified public skepticism.
A Village United in Grief
This tragic death has left the entire community of Balanga devastated. Beyond the funeral and the tears, villagers are demanding a transparent and impartial investigation. They seek justice, not only for the victim but also to restore faith in the system that was supposed to protect her. As the Crime Branch prepares to investigate further, the people of Bayabar wait—mourning, questioning, and hoping for the truth to emerge.