The Odisha police are currently investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl who suffered severe burn injuries in the Puri district. The police have urged the public to disregard social media posts related to the case, citing the sensitive nature of the matter and the victim's minor status.

Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra stated that the investigation is nearing completion. The police are also investigating the source of a video clip that went viral, showing the injured girl. Mishra appealed to the public to refrain from forwarding such sensitive content, as it involves a minor victim. He also noted that circulating the video and the victim's name violates the Juvenile Justice Act. The victim's last statement was recorded in the presence of a judicial magistrate.

The incident occurred on July 19, when the victim's mother filed an FIR at Balanga police station, alleging that her daughter had been kidnapped and set ablaze by three individuals near the Bhargavi river. The teenager, who sustained 70% burn injuries, was airlifted to AIIMS-Delhi for treatment on July 20 but died on August 2.

In a contrasting statement, the police posted on X (formerly Twitter) hours after the girl's death, stating that the investigation indicated no other person was involved in the incident. Similarly, the victim's father stated that his daughter was under mental pressure and took her own life and appealed against politicizing the death.

Conflicting information and claims surrounding the case have drawn criticism from opposition parties, who have questioned the Odisha government's handling of the investigation and women's safety in the state. They have demanded the arrest of the accused.

The police are awaiting reports from the forensic science laboratory before submitting a charge sheet to the court. The cyber team is assisting in the investigation to determine who recorded the video and how it was leaked to social media.

This case has become a sensitive issue, with the police urging the public to rely on official updates and avoid spreading potentially misleading information on social media. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the girl's death and address the conflicting claims from various parties involved.