Odisha Burn Victim Stable, Set for Airlift to Delhi

Speedy Summary:

• A 15-year-old girl in Puri district, Odisha, was set ablaze by three unidentified miscreants on July 19, 2025.
• The incident occurred near Bhargavi River while the teenager was returning from her friend’s house.
• She suffered 70% burns and is currently stable on oxygen support at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
• Authorities plan to airlift her to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment. Preparations are underway for a special flight.
• A team of 12 doctors and two nursing officers is closely monitoring her condition in ICU at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
• Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi indicated government efforts to facilitate better treatment but deferred the final decision to medical authorities based on her health condition.
• Police have recorded a statement from the victim, who shared details of being intercepted by three motorcycle-borne youths who forcibly took her to the riverbank before dousing her with inflammable liquid and setting her ablaze.
• Nearby locals extinguished the fire and brought her initially to Pipili government hospital before transferring her to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

the harrowing assault highlights deep societal issues surrounding women’s safety in India.While immediate health concerns are being addressed through efforts like airlifting for specialized care, this incident underscores systemic challenges. Law enforcement faces immense pressure not only in identifying perpetrators but also ensuring adequate preventive measures in rural areas prone to such crimes. the cooperation between state and central medical institutions reflects prioritization of victim care; however, long-term solutions will need greater focus on bolstering judicial processes and community-level interventions.

Clear investigative action following initial evidence from the victim could play a crucial role both in bringing justice swiftly and deterring future incidents through visible accountability mechanisms.Read more: The Hindu