Bhubaneswar: Reacting sharply to miscreants setting ablaze a girl in Puri district, Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Saturday alleged that Odisha is becoming highly unsafe for women due to government inaction and political patronage.
The former chief minister’s sharp reaction came after a Plus II girl student was set on fire by miscreants at Bayabar village under the jurisdiction of Balanga police station of Puri district.
The victim, stated to be around 15 years of age, is now battling for life with around 70 per cent burns at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
As per AIIMS Bhubaneswar authorities, the girl suffered approximately 70% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burns and is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition. She is undergoing at the burns centre of the premier hospital.
The incident, which occurred barely 500 metres from the girl’s home and around 5 to 7 kilometres from Balanga police station under Nimapara Block, has sparked outrage especially following the recent self-immolation case at FM College in Balasore.
Following the attack, a police team along with a scientific unit visited the spot and initiated a detailed investigation.
“This is a sensitive case. Ensuring medical care for the victim was our top priority. She was first taken to Pipili hospital for first aid and then shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for specialised treatment. A probe has been launched from all possible angles, and the culprits will be nabbed soon,” said Puri SP Pinak Mishra.
Meanwhile, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has directed police to arrest the accused at the earliest and assured that the state government will bear all medical expenses of the victim.
Naveen Patnaik took to his X handle to post his reaction.
“Deeply anguished to know that a young girl was set on fire in Balanga area of Puri District. This attempt to kill her happened in broad daylight. I strongly condemn this horrible act,” he said.
The BJD president noted that the incident happened just within a week of the terrible incident of a young girl setting herself ablaze in FM College after she was denied justice–even after knocking on every door, and a month after the horrific incident in Gopalpur. Such unthinkable incidents against women are now being reported almost daily across Odisha,” Naveen lamented.
“These are not stray cases of violence. These incidents occurring with shocking regularity point to a deep systemic failure of governance. It shows that criminals have become emboldened under the present government and are not worried about being punished,” he said
“It shows how Odisha is becoming highly unsafe for women due to government inaction and political patronage. Will the Odisha Govt wake up from this deep slumber and take speedy action so that the criminals are arrested? And more importantly will the government respond so that such incidents are not repeated? The girls and women of Odisha await a response,” the LoP added.
Meanwhile, Puri District Collector Chanchal Rana said 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,” Rana said.