A shocking incident took place in Bayabar village of Odisha’s Puri district where a 15-year-old girl was set on fire by three men while she was on her way to visit a friend. Eyewitnesses reported that the accused poured petrol on the girl and fled the scene. She was critically injured and rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for treatment.
The incident happened just days after a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore set herself ablaze on campus, reportedly due to inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a professor. The student succumbed to her injuries on July 14, and the professor involved was later arrested. The case has sparked statewide protests and outrage.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida expressed deep shock over the Puri incident and confirmed that the state government will bear all medical expenses. He also directed the police to take immediate action and arrest the culprits. Meanwhile, a UGC fact-finding team visited Balasore to investigate the circumstances of the earlier case, as opposition parties continue to demand justice and accountability.
