Is the 16-Year-Old Victim of Puri Horror Still in Critical Condition?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Victim's age: 16 years old
- Incident date: July 19, 2025
- Burn severity: 75 percent
- Current treatment: AIIMS, New Delhi
- Police action: SIT formed for investigation
Bhubaneswar, July 23 (NationPress) The health status of the 16-year-old girl who was tragically set ablaze by unidentified attackers in the Balanga region of Puri district on July 19 remains critical. Following the assault, she was swiftly airlifted to AIIMS in Delhi the following day for advanced medical care. A press release from AIIMS, New Delhi, dated Wednesday, highlighted that the young victim remains on oxygen support. The statement detailed: “The patient, a 16-year-old girl who suffered 75 percent burns on July 19, 2025, was airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar and admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery at AIIMS New Delhi on July 20, 2025. On the fifth day of her treatment, she underwent surgery to manage her severe burns. Currently, she is on oxygen support and continues to be in a critical condition.”
The statement further indicated that a specialized team of physicians at AIIMS, New Delhi, is diligently monitoring her health progress.
Significantly, the minor was attacked near a river embankment in her village, under the jurisdiction of Balanga police, where the assailants reportedly doused her with petrol and kerosene before igniting her. Miraculously, she managed to seek refuge in a nearby residence, from where local villagers hastily transported her to the Pipili Community Health Centre. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was subsequently referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
This heinous act has spurred immediate police action, resulting in the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Balanga IIC, Shri Dibya Ranjan Panda.
The police have initiated an inquiry by filing a case (162/2025) under sections 127(2), 109, 123, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. However, the Odisha Police are still struggling to locate the assailants who attempted to murder the young victim by setting her on fire, even after five days since the incident occurred. Additionally, the authorities have yet to determine the motive behind this brutal attack on the 16-year-old.