"We demand the death penalty for the culprits": Cousin of minor girl set ablaze in Odisha Puri

Jul 19, 2025

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 19 : The cousin of the minor girl who was set on fire by miscreants in Odisha's Puri has demanded the death penalty for the culprits of the case.
The cousin of the victim said that an FIR has been filed into the matter. He said that the doctors have said that the victim has suffered 70 per cent burns and her condition is critical.
A minor was set on fire by some miscreants in Odisha's Puri, following which she was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
"We filed a Police complaint, investigation is underway. We demand the death penalty for the culprits...We don't know who the accused are. She saw them, she would be able to speak better. Doctors have said that she suffered 70% burns. They have told us that she is critical but we should be patient", the cousin said.
The minor girl went out with her friends, but she was abducted midway and taken to the riverside, where she was set on fire, according to her cousin.
The victim reached someone's house from the incident spot, after which she was taken to the hospital by her cousin. Later, the victim was referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she is undergoing treatment.
"Around 8.30 am, she was going to her friends. She was abducted midway, taken to a riverside and set on fire. She returned from there somehow and reached someone's house. They clothed her and called us up. I reached there, received her and took her to hospital, they referred her to AIIMS," the family member said.
The incident took place under the Balanda police station in the Nimapada block of Puri.
Puri District Magistrate Chanchal Rana assured that the administration will provide financial assistance for the treatment. He added that police will take necessary actions against perpetrators.
"Police and District Administration have taken this matter very seriously. Senior officials have been sent to the spot. All kinds of financial assistance that would be required will be borne by the District Administration and the Government. We hope and pray that she recovers soon. Police will take all necessary actions," Chanchal Rana said.
The incident has come into light a few days after the self-immolation case of a female student at Balasore's FM (Auto) college.
The victim had attempted self-immolation on July 12 on the college campus, sustaining over 90 per cent burn injuries, and succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.