Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, the statement of the minor girl who had been set ablaze in Balanga area of Odisha’s Puri district, was recorded at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
As per information, the 15-year-old girl gave her statement in the presence of a doctor, a magistrate, female ASI, Crime Branch officer, probe team and family members at the premier health facility, where she is undergoing treatment. The statement was stated to have been video recorded.
Following the victim’s testimony, police have stepped up the investigation. They have gathered vital clues about the incident as certain important information could be obtained from the girl’s statement. The investigating team is now actively pursuing leads to get a breakthrough.
While the Odisha Crime Branch team is yet to issue any official statement about the investigation, no comments were received from the health facility authorities in his regard.
The probe team believes the investigation has reached crucial stage now. A silver finger ring recovered from the crime spot has been identified by a local jeweller. The police are investigating how the ring reached the crime scene.
The minor girl has undergone skin grafting surgery on July 23 for deeply burned areas. Her condition is still critical, with a special medical team monitoring her health at AIIMS Delhi. The girl suffered 75% burn injuries in the attack.
The incident occurred when unidentified miscreants set ablaze the 16-year-old girl in a deserted area on July 19. The victim was rescued by locals and initially treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar before being airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for further treatment the next day. The police have questioned several individuals, and the investigation is underway.
