Bargarh: Police have detained two persons in connection with the death of the 13-year-old girl from Padmapur in Bargarh district, who reportedly died after attempting self-immolation.
The girl was found severely burnt in a field near her maternal uncle’s house and later succumbed to her injuries at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla.
Following preliminary investigation, Gaisilet police have detained two persons in connection with the case — a relative (reportedly her grandfather) and a local shopkeeper.
“A case of unnatural death (UD) has been registered. The girl had been staying in a hostel but had returned home due to illness over the past month. We are probing the incident from all angles and will take appropriate legal action,” said Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Himansu Kumar Lal while speaking to reporters.
Bolangir SP Abilash G, currently in charge of Bargarh district, confirmed that the girl was declared dead at VIMSAR.
“The family has submitted a written statement suggesting she died due to self-immolation. We have seized a video allegedly recorded by the girl before her death. The cause of death will be ascertained following the post-mortem. All possible angles are being thoroughly investigated,” he added.
