Mortal Remains of Balanga Burn Victim Arrive in Odisha; Calls for Accountability Rise

The mortal remains of a 15-year-old girl from Balanga, Puri, who succumbed to severe burn injuries, are set to arrive in Odisha this evening. The girl was treated at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, where she was admitted with 75% burn injuries on July 19, 2023. After a 14-day battle for survival, she passed away on July 31, 2023. The body is scheduled to be airlifted back to her hometown around 20:00.

Following her death, the state government has faced significant scrutiny from opposition parties. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo stated that the government took all necessary measures, including transferring the victim to AIIMS-Delhi for further treatment. He urged the opposition to refrain from politicising the tragedy, emphasizing that the victim’s father acknowledged the government’s support.

The circumstances surrounding the girl’s injuries have sparked controversy. Initially, it was reported that three men had set her on fire near the Bhargabi riverbank. However, after her passing, police announced that no other individuals were involved in the incident. The victim’s father released a video claiming that she took her own life due to mental distress, requesting privacy for his family during this difficult time. He expressed, “I don’t want to blame anyone. Please keep me and my family away from politics.”

Political Fallout and Calls for Justice

The opposition Congress party has demanded accountability from the state government. Women Congress leaders threatened to surround the Director General’s office if the alleged culprits are not arrested within seven days. Congress spokesperson Sonali Sahu called for the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, stating that her previous assurances about the victim’s recovery were misleading and reflective of governmental incompetence.

Concerns about the investigation’s integrity have also been raised. Congress leader Manisha Das Pattnaik pointed to discrepancies in the victim’s father’s statements before and after her death. Other party members have questioned the police’s abrupt change in narrative, suggesting that the initial claims of foul play were unjustly dismissed.

Congress president Bhakta Charan Das expressed sorrow over the girl’s death and highlighted inconsistencies in the police investigation. He criticized the handling of the case, stating, “When she was brought to AIIMS, she was sitting in a wheelchair and talking to people. Yet, the police say that three people couldn’t have come on a single bike.”

The investigation has drawn national attention, with Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, calling for urgent intervention from the central government. He stressed the deteriorating law and order situation in Odisha, demanding accountability from the Chief Minister.

Community Mourning and Future Steps

In the village of Bayabar, a pall of gloom has descended as residents mourn the young girl’s tragic passing. Police have been deployed near her family home, and preparations for her last rites are underway. A family member shared, “The atmosphere at home is very heavy and painful. We are preparing for her last rites.”

The situation has ignited broader discussions about women’s safety in Odisha. Members of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have also voiced concerns, with leader Pramila Mallik asserting that the government must take immediate action to restore public trust. She remarked, “Women in the state feel unsafe. They are afraid to step out of their homes.”

As the community awaits the return of the victim’s remains, the call for a thorough investigation continues to grow. Questions remain regarding the adequacy of responses from law enforcement and government officials. The situation underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victim and her family.