Odisha girl, set 'ablaze' days ago, dies at Delhi AIIMS, father flags 'mental distress'
PTC News Desk: In a significant development, a 15-year-old girl from Odisha who was allegedly set on fire by three unknown misceants, succumed to her injuries at Delhi AIIMS while undergoing treatment for severe burns.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the victim in the Balanga incident. Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock efforts of the expert medical team at AIIMS Delhi, her life could not be saved," tweeted Majhi.
Meanwhile, shortly after her death the police officials claimed that no other person was involved in the incident, while the victim's mother in her FIR alleged that she was kidnapped by three unidentified miscreants and had set her daughter on fire.
The gir's father however claimed that his daughter died to substantial mental distress.
The girl had been battling for her life for over two weeks since the horrific incident occurred on July 19 on the banks of the Bhargavi River. She had suffered 75 per cent burn injuries and was first treated at a local health centre before being referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced care. On July 20, she was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment, where she underwent multiple surgeries and skin grafting procedures before she died.
Her cousin also said she was kidnapped, tied up near the river and set on fire.
"My sister was going to her friend's place carrying some books. On the way, three people kidnapped her. They tied her up near the river and set her on fire using petrol. We don't know why she was attacked. We have filed a complaint with the police," he said earlier.
The incident has also triggered a massive political uproar in the state with the opposition lambasting BJP-led government alleging that state is becoming increasingly unsafe for women due to government inaction and a perceived systemic failure in governance.
- PTC NEWS
