In a shocking incident in Odisha's Puri district, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly set ablaze by three masked men, prompting a desperate cry for help that was answered by a nearby resident. Dukshishyam Senapati has recounted the horrifying moments of that day, after the girl, engulfed in flames, knocked on his door, screaming "save me, save me".

The incident occurred around 8:30 am when the girl was on her way to a relative's house. According to reports, she was ambushed near a river embankment by the assailants, who allegedly rendered her unconscious with a chemical-laced cloth before dousing her in kerosene and setting her on fire.

Senapati and his wife immediately rushed to the girl's aid, extinguishing the flames and providing her with water and fresh clothes. "It was around 8.30 am when the girl came to my house, screaming. With the help of my wife, I doused the fire and gave her water as she was very thirsty. Later, the women of my family changed her clothes," he stated.

Despite her critical condition, the girl was able to tell Senapati that three unidentified men were responsible for the attack. She recounted being abducted by the men on motorcycles, who took her to a location near the Bhargavi riverbank. The girl said the faces of these men were half-covered. She could only say that they covered her face with a handkerchief and poured some substance before setting her on fire.

The victim, a class 9 dropout, has been transferred to AIIMS New Delhi for specialized treatment, where she is currently in stable condition, suffering from 70-75% burn injuries.

The brutality of the crime has sparked outrage and calls for swift justice. Senapati, who is being hailed as a hero for his quick actions, has also joined the call, emphasizing the need to bring the perpetrators to justice. The police are currently investigating the incident, andWhile no arrests have been made, authorities are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the culprits.