The 15-year-old girl who sustained serious burn injuries after she was set on fire by three unidentified assailants in Odisha’s Puri district will be airlifted to AIIMS, New Delhi, hospital sources have said.
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Three assailants on a motorcycle ambushed the minor at an isolated place in Odisha, tied a handkerchief around her face, doused her with a flammable substance and set her ablaze before fleeing Saturday. The locals rescued her after hearing her screams for help.
The condition of the victim, who is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, is stable even though she has sustained over 75 percent of burn injuries.
“AIIMS, Delhi, is one of the best institutions in India. She will definitely get advanced treatment there. We have started all formalities and she will be airlifted by mid-day,” Asutosh Biswas, director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said.
A special team of doctors was formed at Bhubaneswar AIIMS comprising doctors from various departments to monitor her health. Doctors said there was some improvement in her conditions.
A case has been lodged at Balanga police station in Puri district but the police are yet to make any arrests. Puri SP Pinak Mishra said a team had collected “vital physical evidence” from the crime scene.
“We have already recorded the statement of the victim and the probe is also being conducted based on her statement. The police have recorded statements of several persons including the victim’s friends and relatives. We have been taking help from technical experts. Our investigation is on the right track,” said the Puri SP.
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Meanwhile, the police imposed prohibitory orders in front of the burn unit of the AIIMS, Bhubaneswar where the girl is currently undergoing treatment. This came after opposition parties Biju Janata Dal and the Congress as well as some students’ organisations clashed with workers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party workers. The Opposition was demanding to airlift her for better treatment.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi vowed strict action in the case Saturday.
