A horrifying incident has shaken Odisha once again, where a teenage girl was brutally set ablaze by three unidentified individuals near the Balanga area of Puri district. The minor sustained 70 percent burn injuries and has been shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.
According to the police, an investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.
Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra said, &ldquo;Balanga Police received a report this morning about a minor girl being attacked. Inflammable substance was used to set her on fire. After immediate rescue, she was referred to AIIMS Odisha. We are probing the incident from multiple angles and will ensure severe punishment for the culprits.&rdquo;
A relative of the girl, speaking to the media, recounted the shocking sequence. &ldquo;She is like a sister to me. We were devastated when we heard about it. According to her, she was on the way to return a book at a friend&rsquo;s house when three unknown men dragged her to the riverside. They threw petrol on her and set her on fire. She was unconscious during part of the attack, and when she regained consciousness, she was already on fire. Somehow, she managed to run for help.&rdquo;
The victim is in critical condition and struggling to speak. Doctors have stated her health remains extremely fragile.
The family rushed her to AIIMS Bhubaneswar and is demanding justice and swift action. &ldquo;We want strict punishment. If such crimes happen in broad daylight, how can any girl feel safe? This incident has shattered us,&rdquo; the relative added.
This case follows another tragic incident earlier this week, where a 20-year-old student in Balasore died after setting herself ablaze, allegedly in protest against police inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a college official.
Both incidents have triggered anger and calls for better safety and justice for women in Odisha. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

Shocking Odisha case: Teen attacked, burnt alive by 3 miscreants, critical at AIIMS

Minor Girl Set Ablaze in Puri, 70% Burns

Shocking Odisha case: Teen attacked, burnt alive by 3 miscreants, critical at AIIMS

July 19, 2025 | 21:40 IST