Bhubaneswar: The 16-year-old girl, who suffered critical burns after allegedly being set on fire by 3 assailants in Odisha’s Puri district, will be airlifted to AIIMS-Delhi for advanced medical care.
Authorities at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, where she is currently undergoing treatment with 70-75% burn, informed the girl’s family about the decision to shift her to the national capital. “Though her condition has improved slightly, the recovery will take time, which is why the authorities have decided to airlift her to Delhi,” the victim’s cousin told the media.
AIIMS-Bhubaneswar director Ashutosh Biswas said that logistical arrangements are underway for the airlifting, expected at around noon. “The patient’s condition is stable, and her blood pressure, which was low yesterday, has improved. It’s safe to transfer her. She will be shifted by a special chartered flight in the next 2 to 3 hours. It has already been communicated to AIIMS-Delhi,” he said.
The decision to airlift the girl was taken to ensure timely and advanced treatment, giving her the best possible chance at recovery, he added.
A 14-member medical team was formed here to monitor her condition. Though not on a ventilator, she continues to receive oxygen support and is being treated at the Burn ICU. “We are giving fluid treatment to the patient. A team of 12 doctors and two nursing officers are looking after the patient. She is responsive, but the depth of her burns is concerning,” said Head of the Burn Unit, AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, Dr Sanjay Giri.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had said that the girl will be airlifted to Delhi if advised by doctors treating her. “The doctors treating the girl are also in touch with experts of AIIMS-Delhi and the government is ready to airlift her if advised by the authorities here,” he said, while asserting harshest possible action against the miscreants.
The assault took place around 8.30 am on Saturday when the victim was on her way to her friend’s house carrying some books. The three attackers, riding a motorcycle, gagged her using a handkerchief on a deserted stretch and abducted her to the Bhargavi riverbank, where she was allegedly doused with an inflammable substance and set on fire.
The incident took place barely 500 metres from her house at Bayabar village under Nimapara block in Puri district. The victim, a class 8 dropout, suffered burn injuries on her back, abdomen and other parts. The girl was rescued by local people and initially admitted to Pipili hospital before being shifted to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar.
The girl’s mother has lodged an FIR with Balanga police station. Her father works at a motor garage.