Plus II girl set on fire in broad daylight in Puri, police probe on

Bhubaneswar, July 19: In a horrifying incident that has left the community in shock, a Plus II girl student was brutally set on fire by three unidentified miscreants in Bayabara village under Nimapara Block of Odisha’s Puri district on Saturday morning. The incident occurred while the victim was walking to her friend’s house in nearby Bayabari village, located under Balanga police station limits.

According to eyewitnesses, the three accused, riding a motorcycle, intercepted the girl, poured a flammable liquid on her, and set her ablaze before fleeing the spot. Hearing her desperate screams, local residents rushed to the scene and immediately took her to Pipili hospital for emergency care.

Due to the severity of her burn injuries, she was later referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for specialised treatment. The shocking attack, which happened just 5–7 km from Balanga police station, has triggered widespread fear and outrage in the area.

Balanga police have launched an investigation and are making efforts to identify and arrest the culprits. The incident has reignited public concerns, especially coming close on the heels of the recent self-immolation case of a college student in Balasore, prompting calls for stronger safety measures and swift justice.