Teenager Set Ablaze in Puri: A Harrowing Incident

A 15-year-old girl from Puri, Odisha, was brutally attacked and set on fire by three men. The shocking incident unfolded as the girl, with her hands tied and mouth gagged, ran through a neighborhood engulfed in flames. Eyewitness Dukhishyam Senapati, who helped extinguish the fire and alerted the girl’s family, described the terrifying scene to NDTV. He recounted how the girl managed to reach his house despite her severe burns, and how he, along with his family, provided immediate assistance.

Eyewitness Account of the Attack

Mr. Senapati detailed that the girl was brought to the location by three men on two bikes. They forcibly took her to a riverbank, poured kerosene over her, and set her ablaze. Despite being gagged and bound, she managed to escape and seek help. The attackers fled the scene and remain at large. The girl suffered 70 percent burns and was initially treated at a local health center before being airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced care.

Police Investigation and Response

The police have intensified their investigation following the girl’s statement. Her mother has filed a complaint detailing the attack. Authorities have created a green corridor to expedite her transfer to Delhi for treatment. AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Ashutosh Biswas confirmed that her condition is stable enough for transport.

Political Reactions and Public Outcry

The incident has sparked outrage across Odisha, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi expressing deep sorrow and praying for the girl’s recovery. The Opposition BJD criticized the BJP-led state government for failing to protect women, citing this attack as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against women in the state. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the government’s inaction and called for urgent measures to prevent such incidents.

A Call for Justice and Safety

The tragic event has highlighted systemic issues within Odisha’s governance regarding women’s safety. There is a growing demand for swift justice and effective measures to ensure such heinous crimes do not recur. The people of Odisha await decisive action from their leaders.