Teen Girl Dies After Fire Incident in Puri, Odisha Police Deny Foul Play

On July 19, a 15-year-old girl from Balanga in Odisha’s Puri district suffered severe burn injuries. She returned home with almost 75% of her body burned. Initial claims suggested three unknown men kidnapped her and set her on fire after pouring kerosene. Her family informed local authorities immediately.

Shifted to AIIMS Delhi for Advanced Treatment

Doctors at AIIMS Bhubaneswar began emergency treatment. However, her condition continued to worsen. On July 20, officials transferred her to AIIMS Delhi via air ambulance. She underwent multiple procedures, including surgeries and skin grafting, over the next two weeks.

Girl Succumbs to Injuries at AIIMS Delhi

On August 2, the girl passed away due to complications from her injuries. Doctors confirmed that her body had sustained approximately 70–75% burns. Despite intensive care, her body could not recover. The hospital informed Odisha authorities of her death the same evening.

Police: No Evidence of Attack by Others

Odisha Police released a statement shortly after her death. They said no other individual was involved in the incident. Their investigation found no signs of third-party attack, and forensic evidence did not support the kidnapping claim. The police confirmed that the investigation was almost complete.

Father Claims Girl Was Depressed

In a video statement, the girl’s father said she had been suffering from mental distress. He claimed she set herself on fire due to emotional reasons. He asked people not to politicize the matter and urged them to pray for her. He also appealed for the family’s privacy.

Conflicting Claims Raise Questions

Earlier, both the girl and her mother had said she was attacked by unknown assailants. The mother had given detailed accounts to the media, naming alleged attackers. These reports led to public anger and opposition leaders demanding action from the state.

Security Tightened as Protests Emerge

After the girl’s death, protests spread across Odisha, especially in Bhubaneswar. Police deployed security outside the Chief Minister’s residence and other key government buildings. Opposition parties asked for a fresh inquiry and criticized the state’s handling of the case.

Investigation Nears End Amid Public Pressure

Odisha Police maintained that they followed all legal procedures. They claimed they used medical reports, forensic evidence, and eyewitness accounts during the investigation. Still, many citizens and activists continue to demand transparency and an independent probe into the full sequence of events.