Bargarh/Sambalpur: Hours after being found in a half-burnt condition at Firingimala village of Odisha’s Bargarh district, a minor girl succumbed to burn injuries while undergoing treatment at VIMSAR in Burla on Monday.
The girl, aged around 13 years, was spotted lying in a football field by villagers in the morning and rushed to hospital for treatment with the assistance of police.
The girl was rushed to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in a highly critical condition in an ambulance. However, she succumbed to burn injuries during treatment. A dedicated medical team had been assigned to her care.
A police team visited the site and recovered key articles, including a pair of slippers, a matchbox, and a plastic bottle, which are now part of the forensic examination. Authorities are also analysing a video reportedly recorded before the girl’s death, which may offer crucial insights into the sequence of events.
Sources said the distressing incident took place at Phiringmala village under the jurisdiction of Gaisilet police station in the district. While the girl was suspected to have attempted self-immolation by dousing herself with petrol and setting fire, the circumstances that led to the incident are yet to be ascertained.
The girl, stated to be a Class 8 student of a school outside her native place, had reportedly come to her uncle’s village for holidays. While the exact reason behind the suspected self-immolation attempt is being investigated, sources said the girl had shared about a fellow classmate saying something hurtful to her a few days ago.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident. A case has been registered and all possible angles are being probed. Police have not ruled out foul play and are actively pursuing all leads.
