Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police here on Saturday declared the burn unit of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, where a 16-year-old girl is undergoing treatment after being set ablaze by three miscreants in Odisha’s Puri district, as a restricted zone under Section 163 (imposition of curfews to keep law and order) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
According to sources, police issued the directive as tension erupted on the hospital campus amid sloganeering by Opposition Congress and BJD and BJP late in the evening. Loudspeaker alerts were issued and the protesters were asked to vacate the hospital.
Speaking to the media, BJD leader Lekhasri Samantsinghar said that Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, in whose Nimapara constituency the horrific incident took place, has no time to spare and visit the girl in the hospital. “It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that she survives this ghastly assault. She should be airlifted to the best health facility for advanced treatment,” she said.
Lekhasri alleged that BJP workers are engaging in sloganeering to protect their leaders. “While the Opposition is seeking justice for the victim, the BJP is busy shielding the accused,” she alleged.
Another BJD leader said that they are holding a silent protest and creating no law and order issue. “We have no faith in the government, administration or the police. We don’t want a repeat of the Balasore incident. It is the BJP leaders and workers, who are trying to vitiate the atmosphere,” he alleged.
Congress leader Ashok Das said that the double engine government has given ‘double dhokha’ to the people of Odisha. “People have congregated here to seek justice for the victim. The government, on the other hand, is scared of coming here,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the AIIMS authorities had also urged people to refrain from congregating at the entry point and lobby of the hospital. “There are many patients inside the hospital. Public gathering will hamper patient care and increase the chance of infection,” said the Medical Superintendent in a notice.
The victim, who sustained 70-75% burn injuries, was initially admitted to the emergency department and subsequently shifted to the burn unit of the hospital for specialised treatment and intensive care.
Responding to the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured that the victim would be airlifted to Delhi’s AIIMS if required. “After the Balasore case, an incident occurred in Balanga in Puri district. With 70% burn injuries, the victim is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. All necessary efforts are being taken to save her life. Stern action will be taken against the accused,” he said.