A 15-year-old girl from Balanga in Odisha’s Puri district, who sustained life-threatening burn injuries after being allegedly set on fire by three miscreants, has been shifted to All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi for specialised treatment. According to PTI, the teenager, who had been undergoing care at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 75 per cent burns, was transported via air ambulance and reached Delhi at 4:20 PM on Sunday.
AIIMS Delhi confirmed her arrival and condition in a statement: “A patient with 75% burns, was airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar and received at AIIMS New Delhi at 4:20 PM. She is currently admitted to the Burn ICU in the Burns and Plastic Surgery block. Her condition is critical, and she is on oxygen support. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition.”
Green Corridor and Medical Support Enabled Evacuation
A green corridor was established from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to Biju Patnaik International Airport to facilitate the emergency transfer. Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Meena said one platoon of police was deployed to ensure a smooth passage, news agency PTI reported. Bhubaneswar Traffic DCP Tapan Kumar Mohanty added that the patient was transported in an advanced life support ambulance staffed with a dedicated medical team, reaching the airport within 10–12 minutes.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Ashutosh Biswas had earlier stated, “The patient’s condition is stable, and her blood pressure, which was low yesterday, has improved. It is safe to transfer her.”
Odisha CM Majhi, Political Leaders React; Protests Break Out
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed anguish over the incident on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The victim has been airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for the best treatment. The state government will ensure all necessary facilities for this. I pray before Lord Jagannath for the girl’s speedy recovery.”
Political tensions escalated as Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers held a protest outside Balanga police station, demanding swift arrests of the accused. Demonstrators carried party flags and banners and attempted to gherao the police station, leading to a brief scuffle with the police.
BJD leader and former minister Tukuni Sahu criticised the lack of arrests over 24 hours since the attack. “More than 24 hours have passed since the barbaric incident but the culprits have not yet been arrested,” she said.
Another BJD leader, Pradeep Kumar Majhi, added, “We came to the police station to know the whereabouts of the persons who tried to kill the girl. The police are still clueless.”
Opposition Slams Law and Order, Police Probe Underway
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Srikant Jena blamed the ruling government for the deteriorating law and order situation, stating, “The back-to-back incidents – first in Balasore and now in Balanga – show that law and order situation has completely collapsed in the state. Women and girls are safe nowhere in the state.” Jena also targeted Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, noting her absence at the victim’s home despite the incident taking place in her constituency. “The state government has no moral right to continue,” he said.
BJP’s Samir Ranjan Dash assured that investigations are ongoing and expressed hope that arrests will be made soon. “We all are hopeful that the accused persons will be arrested soon. The victim has been airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for better treatment and all should pray for her speedy recovery,” he stated.
According to PTI sources, Police sources revealed that the victim, who is a Class 8 dropout and daughter of a garage worker, was intercepted by three motorcycle-borne youths on Saturday. She was allegedly dragged to the banks of Bhargavi River near Bayabar village, doused in a flammable substance, and set ablaze. Local residents rushed to her rescue, extinguished the fire, and initially admitted her to Pipili government hospital before she was referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
A senior officer confirmed that the victim was able to provide her statement from the ICU in the presence of a magistrate. Her account is considered key evidence in the ongoing probe. Police have picked up several suspects and are interrogating them in connection with the case.
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