A view of the AIIMS in New Delhi. The 15-year-old girl who was allegedly being set on fire by unidentified miscreants in Odisha’s Puri district, on July 15, died at the hospital on August 2, 2025.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
A 15-year-old girl who sustained over 75% burns after being allegedly set on fire by unidentified miscreants in Odisha’s Puri district on July 19 died at the AIIMS, New Delhi, on Saturday (August 2, 2025).
However, in a major twist, the State police, just hours after girl’s death, said “no other person” was involved in the incident. Earlier reports had said that the girl was waylaid by three persons and set ablaze.
The Crime Branch of Odisha had taken over the investigation as the incident sparked nationwide outrage, coming just days after a college student self-immolated on the campus of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore.
The Mohan Majhi-led government, already under fire over the Balasore incident, came under renewed criticism from opposition parties, who have intensified their demand for improved women’s safety measures in Odisha.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the victim girl. The police have conducted the investigation with utmost sincerity. The investigation has reached its final stage,” said the Odisha police in a post on X.
“According to the investigation conducted so far, it is clear that no other person is involved. Therefore, we request everyone not to make any sensitive comments regarding this matter during this tragic moment,” the State police said.
The girl had been airlifted from the AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, to Delhi for advanced treatment. At both the hospitals, the investigation teams are said to have recorded her statement several times. Though she suffered 75% burns, she was able to speak. The Odisha police will soon come out with a detailed probe report.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed grief over her death, stating that despite all efforts by the government and the dedicated care of the specialist medical team at the AIIMS, her life could not be saved.
“I am deeply shocked to learn of the girl’s death. I pray for the eternal peace of her soul,” the Chief Minister said.
The incident took place under the Balanga police station limits in Puri district. During the past two weeks, reports suggested that her health condition was improving and that the doctors were trying for skin grafting.
Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik said he was deeply saddened at her demise. “My condolences for the young girl and prayers are with the family members in the hour of grief. May God give the family members strength to bear this irreparable loss,” said Mr. Patnaik.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das said he was “deeply saddened and heartbroken” at the news. “I demand stringent action in this incident and justice for the girl,” he said.
The BJD demanded s compensation of ₹2 crore to next of kin of the girl. Despite the Odisha police’s announcement, the party also demanded the arrest of three miscreants who are said to have committed the crime.
Meanwhile, the security around the residences of the Odisha Chief Minister and two deputy CMs has been strengthened. The road leading to their residences has been blocked.
Published – August 02, 2025 08:44 pm IST
