Horrific Attack Near Bhargavi River
In a deeply disturbing incident, a 15-year-old girl from Bayabar village in Puri district, Odisha, suffered 70 percent burn injuries after being set ablaze by three unidentified youths. The assault occurred around 8:30 am on August 19, 2023, near the Bhargavi River, approximately 1.5 km from her home in Nuagopalpur Bustee under the jurisdiction of Balanga police in Nimapada tehsil.
The Class 9 student was reportedly on her way to visit a friend when she was intercepted by the assailants riding motorcycles. Investigators believe the trio dragged her to a secluded riverside area, doused her with a flammable liquid—believed to be petrol—and set her clothes on fire before fleeing the scene.
Locals Respond, Victim Rushed to AIIMS
Hearing the victim’s cries for help, nearby residents rushed to her aid, extinguished the flames, and immediately took her to Pipili Community Health Centre. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later shifted to the Trauma Centre and then to the specialized Burns Unit at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Doctors at AIIMS have described her condition as critical, with severe burns on her back, abdomen, and upper torso. While she remains conscious, she is unable to speak clearly. The Burns Unit has been quarantined and placed under tight police security to maintain hygiene and prevent infections. A public notice on the hospital entrance requests visitors to avoid crowding or making noise to preserve the patient’s clinical environment.
Investigation Underway; Motive Still Unclear
Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra has called the case “very sensitive” and has formed a special investigation team, including forensic experts and a dog squad. Evidence recovered so far includes the girl’s charred clothing, one shoe, and CCTV footage from nearby buildings, which is currently under analysis.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and police say that the motive remains unclear. Investigators are unable to obtain a statement from the victim due to her medical condition. No history of personal enmity involving the victim’s family has been reported.
Official Reaction and Support
Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister and Women and Child Development Minister, Pravati Parida, expressed deep shock at the brutality. “I am painfully shocked to learn that miscreants poured petroleum on a 15-year-old girl and burned her in Balanga,” she said, assuring the family that the state government would cover all medical expenses and bring the culprits to justice.
Puri District Collector Chanchal Rana echoed these sentiments, promising complete administrative and financial support. So far, the administration has disbursed ₹30,000 through the Sub-Collector and ₹15,000 via the Nimapada BDO for immediate medical care.
Political Fallout and Public Outrage
This incident comes on the heels of a high-profile student self-immolation case in Balasore, adding to growing concerns about women’s safety in Odisha. Opposition parties have criticized the BJP-led state government, citing a deteriorating law and order situation.
BJD leader Subrat Chhatoi accused the government of failing to protect its citizens, while Congress and BJD delegations who visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar were denied access to the quarantined Burns Unit.
Call for Action on Women’s Safety
The brutal attack has reignited public debate on the urgent need to strengthen women’s safety in the state. With the investigation ongoing and the victim’s survival uncertain, pressure is mounting on the government to deliver swift justice and address systemic flaws in public security mechanisms.
As Odisha reels from this latest atrocity, citizens, activists, and politicians alike are demanding tougher laws, better enforcement, and structural reforms to prevent such horrifying incidents in the future.