Bhubaneswar: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Sunday confirmed that a high-level investigation is underway into the shocking incident in which a minor girl was allegedly set ablaze by three miscreants from Balanga in Puri district.
“As soon as we received the information, the police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Today, two specialised teams — the State Forensic Science Laboratory and the forensic and medicine team from AIIMS Bhubaneswar — conducted a detailed examination of the scene and collected physical evidence,” said DGP Khurania while speaking to reporters at the crime scene.
He added that some information has already been gathered and further leads are being pursued.
“The investigation is at a sensitive stage. We are making all efforts to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice. Once we have confirmed findings, they will be shared with the public,” the DGP stated.
The horrific incident occurred on the morning of July 19, when the minor girl was reportedly set on fire by three attackers. Despite suffering critical burn injuries, the victim managed to take shelter in a nearby house. Local residents rescued her and rushed her to the Pipili Community Health Centre. She was later referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar and subsequently airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured full support and medical assistance to the victim and her family. He also offered prayers to Lord Jagannath for her swift recovery.
In a swift response, the Odisha Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. The SIT has been directed to fast-track the investigation and identify the accused at the earliest. Scientific teams, including K9 units, have examined the crime scene, while senior officials are closely monitoring the progress.
