A 15-year-old girl from Bayabar village in Odisha's Puri district was brutally doused with petrol and set on fire by three unidentified assailants while she was on her way to a uncle's house early on July 19. Eyewitnesses recounted that the attackers forced her near the Bhargavi River, tied her up, and ignited the petrol before fleeing the scene. Locals quickly extinguished the flames and alerted authorities.
The victim sustained severe burns—reports vary, citing injuries to 70-75% of her body—and was rushed to a nearby health centre before being transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she remains in critical condition.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also oversees the Women & Child Development portfolio, expressed shock over the "horrific" attack. In an X post, she confirmed that the state government would cover all medical expenses and urged swift police action. “All arrangements are being made... police administration has been directed to arrest the culprits immediately and take strict action,” she said.
The incident has prompted outrage across Odisha, particularly as it follows closely on the heels of a tragic self-immolation by a college student in Balasore earlier this month. Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt, with CCTV footage being reviewed and two police teams deployed to pursue the suspects. Local residents and women’s groups are demanding justice and greater safety measures for young women in the region.
