Tragic Death of Minor Girl Set on Fire in Odisha’s Balanga Sparks Outrage and Investigation
In a horrifying incident that has shaken Odisha, a 15-year-old girl from Balanga in Puri district was allegedly set on fire on July 19, 2025, and succumbed to her injuries on August 2, 2025, while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi. The case, initially reported as a brutal attack by three unidentified assailants, has taken a controversial turn with the Odisha Police concluding that no third-party involvement was found, despite allegations from the victim’s family and eyewitness accounts. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, political protests, and calls for a thorough investigation into the state’s law and order situation.
Details of the Incident
On the morning of July 19, 2025, the minor girl, a Class 10 student, was reportedly walking to a relative’s house in Bayabar village, under the jurisdiction of Balanga Police Station, when the incident occurred. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by her mother, three motorcycle-borne individuals intercepted the girl, forcibly took her to the banks of the Bhargavi River, doused her with an inflammable substance—believed to be petrol or kerosene—and set her ablaze before fleeing the scene (The Hindu, 2025; Times of India, 2025). Local resident Dukhisshyam Senapati, an eyewitness, heard her cries and helped douse the flames, rushing her to Pipili Community Health Centre for immediate medical attention (Times Now, 2025).
The victim sustained over 75% burn injuries and was initially admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where her condition was deemed critical. Due to the severity of her burns, she was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi on July 20, 2025, for advanced treatment, including multiple surgeries and skin grafting procedures (Odisha TV, 2025). Despite intensive medical efforts, the girl passed away on August 2, 2025, triggering grief and fury across the state (News18, 2025).
Forensic Investigation and Police Findings
The investigation, led by the Balanga Police and supported by the Odisha Crime Branch, involved forensic teams, scientific squads, and dog units to collect evidence from the crime scene. Items recovered included a half-filled bottle of kerosene, a matchbox, a shoe belonging to the victim, and a silver ring, which became a focal point of the probe (The Hindu, 2025; Odisha TV, 2025). The silver ring, reportedly purchased by an acquaintance of the victim two months prior, raised questions but did not yield conclusive evidence (OrissaPOST, 2025).
The victim’s statement was recorded twice—once at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and later at AIIMS Delhi in the presence of a magistrate, doctors, and a family member on July 25, 2025. Discrepancies between the two statements prompted authorities to re-record her testimony to ensure clarity, but the details of her account have not been publicly disclosed (Odisha TV, 2025). Despite the initial FIR and eyewitness claims, the Odisha Police announced on August 2, 2025, that their investigation, now in its final stage, found no evidence of third-party involvement. This conclusion has drawn skepticism, as the police have not clarified how the girl sustained her injuries (The Tribune, 2025; Hindustan Times, 2025).
Public and Political Reaction
The incident has ignited widespread outrage, with political parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, staging protests across Odisha. BJD leader and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the act, highlighting a perceived decline in law and order under the current government. He noted that this incident followed closely on the heels of another tragedy in Balasore, where a college student died by self-immolation due to alleged sexual harassment (The Hindu, 2025). BJD MP Sasmit Patra demanded swift justice, stating, “Unless the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice, no one is safe” (New Indian Express, 2025).
Congress workers, led by the women’s wing, protested by hurling tomatoes and eggs at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who hails from the region. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal criticized the “systemic rot” in Odisha’s police system, arguing that criminals act with impunity due to government inaction (The Hindu, 2025). In response, State BJP President Manmohan Samal promised strict action, emphasizing that such atrocities against minors are unacceptable (The Hindu, 2025).
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2025 | Minor girl allegedly set on fire in Balanga, Puri. FIR filed by her mother, alleging abduction and attack by three individuals (The Hindu, 2025). |
| July 20, 2025 | Victim airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment after initial care at AIIMS Bhubaneswar (Odisha TV, 2025). |
| July 25, 2025 | Victim’s statement recorded at AIIMS Delhi in the presence of a magistrate due to discrepancies in earlier testimony (Odisha TV, 2025). |
| July 26, 2025 | Police report no breakthrough, focus on a silver ring found at the crime scene (OrissaPOST, 2025). |
| August 2, 2025 | Victim succumbs to injuries at AIIMS Delhi. Odisha Police claim no third-party involvement (News18, 2025). |
Broader Context and Implications
The Balanga incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against women in Odisha, with recent cases, including a gang rape in Ganjam and a self-immolation in Balasore, highlighting systemic issues in law enforcement and women’s safety (The Hindu, 2025). Critics argue that the Odisha Police’s claim of no foul play raises questions about the investigation’s transparency, especially given the lack of explanation for the girl’s injuries. The victim’s family, while expressing gratitude for the government’s medical support, has not publicly contested the police findings, with her uncle stating, “We cannot blame anyone now” (LiveMint, 2025).
The case has amplified calls for stronger measures to protect women and ensure accountability in Odisha’s justice system. As the investigation concludes, public and political pressure continues to mount for clarity and justice in this tragic case.
References
Hindustan Times. (2025, August 3). ‘No other person involved’: Odisha Police after teen girl 'set on fire' in Puri dies at AIIMS. https://www.hindustantimes.com
LiveMint. (2025, August 3). Odisha police concludes probe in teen's death case involving burn injuries; here's what it reveals while family reacts. https://www.livemint.com
New Indian Express. (2025, August 3). Odisha police rule out foul play in Puri girl’s death despite family’s allegations. https://www.newindianexpress.com
News18. (2025, August 3). Odisha Minor, Set On Fire 2 Weeks Ago, Dies In Delhi; Police Reveal Shocking Twist. https://www.news18.com
Odisha TV. (2025, July 21). Crime Branch reviews Balanga case progress after a 15-year-old girl was set on fire in Puri. https://odishatv.in
Odisha TV. (2025, July 26). Puri minor girl set on fire: Odisha Crime Branch gets new lead from victim’s statement. https://odishatv.in
OrissaPOST. (2025, July 26). No breakthrough in Balanga girl fire case: Police. https://www.orissapost.com
The Hindu. (2025, July 19). Miscreants set 15-year-old girl on fire in Odisha, victim under treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. https://www.thehindu.com
Times Now. (2025, August 3). Odisha Teen Set Ablaze on Way Home Named 3 Attackers—But Police Say Otherwise. https://www.timesnownews.com
Times of India. (2025, July 19). Odisha shocker: Miscreants set 15-year-old girl on fire, in critical condition. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The Tribune. (2025, August 3). Odisha burning incident: Police now claim no foul play in 15-year-old girl's death, despite mother's allegations. https://www.tribuneindia.com
