A 15-year-old girl from Bayabar village in the Puri district of Odisha, who suffered severe burn injuries in a shocking incident, has been airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical care on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The victim, who sustained 70-75% burns after being set ablaze by unidentified assailants on July 19, was initially receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. However, due to the severity of her condition and the need for specialized burn care, she was transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi.
The decision to airlift the victim was made after her condition showed little improvement at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Doctors determined that her best chance for recovery lay in receiving advanced treatment at a specialized burn center. AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr. Asutosh Biswas stated that the girl's condition was stable enough for transfer and that a special flight had been arranged.
A specialized medical team from AIIMS coordinated the air evacuation, and a family member accompanied the patient during the transfer. The authorities created a green corridor from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar to Biju Patnaik International Airport to ensure the smooth passage of the ambulance carrying the victim. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena confirmed that the roads between AIIMS and the airport were cleared, and a special convoy escorted the ambulance.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning near the Bhargabi River near Bayabar village, within the Balanga police station's jurisdiction, while the girl was on her way to her friend's house. Preliminary investigations suggest that three motorcycle-borne youths intercepted the teenager, forcibly took her to the riverbank, poured an inflammable substance on her, and set her on fire before fleeing the scene. The girl managed to reach a nearby house, where locals provided assistance and contacted her family.
The police have registered an FIR, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the case and expedite the investigation to identify the attackers. Scientific teams, including K9 units, have been deployed to comb the crime scene, and senior police officials are closely monitoring the investigation. The victim's statement has been recorded in the presence of a magistrate at AIIMS Bhubaneswar ICU, which is considered vital for the investigation.
The state government has assured that all medical expenses for the victim's treatment will be covered. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida expressed her shock and sadness and directed the police administration to arrest the culprits immediately and take strict action. Puri District Magistrate Chanchal Rana stated that the administration is taking the matter very seriously and that senior officials have been dispatched to the spot.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with demands for swift justice and stringent punishment for the perpetrators. The cousin of the victim has called for the death penalty for those responsible. This horrific act of violence comes shortly after another tragic incident in Balasore, where a female student attempted self-immolation on campus.
