Bhubaneswar: Five days after a 15-year-old girl was allegedly set on fire in Balanga area of Odisha’s Puri district, police are yet to find any evidence of motorcyclists at the crime spot at the time when the incident was reported to have taken place.
During the ongoing investigation, no evidence has so far been obtained to corroborate the FIR and the statement made by the girl after the incident, police sources said.
As part of the ongoing probe, police examined witness versions and CCTV footage within a two km radius of the crime scene. They also conducted a forensic analysis of the area to find movement vehicle at the time of the crime. However, police have been unable to find any evidence support the claim of bikers having set the girl on fire.
A senior police official said that the girl, who is now undergoing treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi, needs more time to get stabilised and make a detailed statement about the incident with clarity. Her statement would be vital for getting a clear picture about the sequence of events.
The investigators, who initially conducted the probe based on the girl’s statement and her mother’s complaint, are now waiting for the victim to recover.
Meanwhile, the girl underwent surgery at AIIMS Delhi for the management of her burn injuries, hospital sources said.
Doctors said the patient, admitted to the Burn ICU, is critical and on oxygen support. The girl, with 75% burns, was airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 20. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition, hospital sources said.
Meanwhile, Deputy chief minister Pravati Parida visited AIIMS Delhi and met the girl along with her family members and relatives. “During this visit, I discussed the patient’s health condition and future treatment plans with the medical team and specialists providing care. I pray to the Almighty for her speedy recovery,” Parida posted on X.
The 15-year-old girl was allegedly set on fire by three bike-borne miscreants on July 19 in Puri district. She was initially undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar before being airlifted to AIIMS Delhi.
