Tragic Attack on 15-Year-Old Girl in Odisha: Police Intensify Investigation

Investigation Underway Following Gruesome Incident

Bhubaneswar: A 15-year-old girl is currently battling for her life at AIIMS Delhi, suffering from severe burn injuries exceeding 70%. The Odisha Police have ramped up their investigation into the horrific attack that occurred along the banks of the Bhargavi river in Puri district.

Despite the fact that more than 50 hours have elapsed since the incident, where three assailants reportedly set the girl on fire on Saturday morning, no arrests have been made as of yet.

A senior police official indicated that the local Balanga police are now collaborating with specialists from the criminal investigation department, cybercrime units, and special branch detectives to track down the suspects.

On Sunday, DGP Y B Khurania, along with central range IG S Praveen Kumar and SP Pinak Mishra, visited the scene to gather information.

According to the officer, over two dozen police personnel are currently involved in the investigation. The Balanga police have interviewed ten individuals from the victim's family and friends, as well as gathered insights from local residents.

"The girl had informed Dukshishyam Senapati, the first person to assist her, about the three men on a motorcycle, but there has been no sign of them or their vehicle. CCTV footage from the area has not provided any corroboration of her account," an official stated.

In the meantime, several senior officers have spoken with Senapati, who mentioned that he did not see the three men or their bike, but confirmed that the girl had come to his house seeking help.

"Senapati's account seems credible, as a dry banana leaf near his residence was found burned, aligning with the girl's escape route," the official added.

Authorities have also interviewed the victim's aunts, friends, and various women from her neighborhood, but these discussions have yet to yield any leads regarding the attackers' identities.

In a show of support, MPs from both BJD and BJP visited the victim at AIIMS Delhi to inquire about her condition.

BJD representatives, including Sambit Patra, Sulata Deo, Manas Ranjan Mangaraj, and Niranjan Bisi, met with the victim and her family.

A delegation of seven BJP MPs also visited the hospital.

"The girl's health is now stable. The government is making every effort to ensure her recovery," stated Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhuprasad Tarani.

BJP's Bolangir MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo expressed her sorrow, stating, "This is a tragic incident. We will all pray for her survival."