Odisha teen set ablaze in Puri airlifted to AIIMS Delhi in critical condition

Just days after a student in Odisha died by self-immolation following alleged apathy by her college administration toward her sexual assault complaint, another horrific incident has come to light where a 15-year-old girl was set on fire by three bike-borne men while she was walking near her friend’s home in Bayabar village, Puri district.

The three men intercepted her, poured an inflammable substance on her, and set her on fire near the Bhargavi River. The brutal act left her with severe burn injuries.

Locals immediately came to her rescue, doused the flames, and rushed her to the Pipili government hospital. She was later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where doctors confirmed she had suffered 70% burns.

Given the severity of her injuries, Odisha’s health department arranged for her to be airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced care on July 20.

A green corridor was created by Bhubaneswar police to transport her swiftly from the hospital to the airport. The air ambulance took off from Biju Patnaik International Airport carrying the girl and a specialized medical team.

Dr Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said, “She is stable now… her blood pressure and other vitals have improved, and it is safe to transfer her to Delhi for further treatment.”

The girl, who had reportedly dropped out of school in Class 8, gave her statement before a magistrate prior to her transfer—a vital step in the ongoing police investigation.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has condemned the crime and directed authorities to ensure swift action. “We will not tolerate such cruelty,” he said, assuring that the culprits will be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, civil society groups and women’s rights activists gathered outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar demanding accountability and stronger safety measures for women and girls in the state.

The motive behind the attack is still unclear. Police have launched a manhunt to trace the three accused who fled the scene after the attack. Forensic teams are also examining the site for clues.

This shocking incident comes just a day after the launch of Odisha’s “Shaktishree” initiative, aimed at improving safety for female students on campuses—a grim reminder of the deep-rooted challenges that remain in protecting women in public spaces.