Horrific Attack in Nimapada Sparks Public Outcry

A 15-year-old girl who sustained critical burn injuries after being set on fire by three unidentified youths in Puri’s Balanga area has given a confidential statement to district authorities from her hospital bed at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The incident, described by her mother as a “targeted abduction and attempted murder,” has drawn widespread condemnation and protests across the state.

Brutal Assault Along Bhargavi River

The incident occurred around 8:30 AM on Saturday in Bayabar village under the jurisdiction of Balanga police station in Nimapada tehsil. The Class 9 student was on her way to her grandfather’s house when three men on motorcycles intercepted her on a deserted stretch along the Bhargavi River, 1.5 km from her residence in Nuagopalpur Bustee.

As per the First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the victim’s mother, the assailants forcefully abducted her daughter, dragged her to the riverside, doused her with kerosene, and set her on fire. Locals who heard the girl’s screams rushed to the scene, extinguished the flames, and took her to the Pipili Community Health Centre. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was transferred to the Burns Unit at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Victim’s Condition Critical, Statement Recorded Under BNSS

The girl, who has sustained 70% burns on her torso, abdomen, and back, is being treated in intensive care by a 14-member medical team led by Dr. Sanjay Giri. Experts including Professor Anupam De and Dr. Manoj Panigrahi are attending to her. Although she is conscious, doctors say her ability to speak is severely affected.

Despite her condition, the girl gave a confidential statement before a magistrate under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Authorities have not disclosed the content of the testimony due to the sensitive nature of the case and the ongoing investigation. Access to the Burns Unit has been heavily restricted to prevent infection risks.

FIR Terms Attack as Pre-Meditated Murder Attempt

According to the FIR, the victim’s mother believes her daughter was deliberately targeted and nearly murdered. She alleged that the attackers chased and cornered the girl, dragged her to the riverbank, and set her ablaze with clear intent to kill. “My daughter survived because of her presence of mind and courage,” she said, urging immediate arrests and strict punishment.

Balanga police have registered the case and formed a special investigative team, including forensic experts, to examine CCTV footage and other evidence such as the girl’s charred clothes. However, no arrests have been made so far, and the motive behind the attack remains unknown.

Women Congress Protest Erupts Outside Deputy CM’s House

The incident triggered massive protests in Bhubaneswar. Led by Women’s Congress President Minakshi Bahinipati, activists staged a demonstration outside the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida. Protesters threw tomatoes at the gate in a symbolic act of anger. Several demonstrators were detained by police, further heightening tensions.

Deputy CM Expresses Shock, Pledges Support

Deputy CM Parida, who also heads the Women and Child Development Department, expressed her shock in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “I am saddened and shocked to know that some miscreants poured petrol on a fifteen-year-old girl and burnt her in Balanga.” She assured that the government would bear all medical expenses and ordered police to arrest the culprits without delay.

Puri District Collector Chanchal Rana has pledged full legal and financial support to the victim’s family. Senior officials are closely monitoring the case as the investigation continues.

Wider Political Repercussions and Demand for Women Commissioner

The Balanga attack comes just weeks after a student self-immolated in Balasore on July 12, further intensifying concerns about the safety of women in Odisha. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik denounced the Balanga incident on X, calling it a clear symptom of systemic governance failure.

Both the BJD and Congress have called upon the state government to urgently appoint a Women’s Commissioner, a position that has remained vacant for over a year. Political leaders argue that the absence of institutional accountability has weakened efforts to safeguard women.

Growing Demand for Systemic Reforms

With the teenage victim fighting for her life in intensive care and no breakthrough yet in the police investigation, the case has reignited debate over Odisha’s capacity to address gender-based violence. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and women’s rights activists are calling for urgent reforms and better law enforcement to restore faith in the state’s ability to protect its citizens—especially its women and children.