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The tragic death of a 15-year-old girl from Odisha, initially believed to be a victim of arson, has taken a disturbing turn. The case, which gained national attention due to the horrific nature of the crime and the initial reports pointing to a deliberate act of violence, is now shrouded in confusion and contradictory statements. The girl, who suffered 75% burn injuries, was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 19th and subsequently airlifted to AIIMS Delhi, where she succumbed to her injuries despite the best efforts of medical professionals and the Odisha government. In the immediate aftermath of the girl's death, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed his condolences, highlighting the government's efforts to save her life. However, the narrative surrounding the incident began to shift dramatically, creating a complex and emotionally charged situation. The Odisha Police, shortly after the announcement of the teenager's death, issued a statement claiming that their investigation had reached its final stage and that, based on their findings, no other person was involved in the incident. This statement directly contradicted earlier reports and eyewitness accounts suggesting that the girl had been deliberately set on fire by three men. The police offered no clarification on how the girl sustained such extensive burns if no external actors were involved, leaving the public and the victim's family with unanswered questions and a sense of disbelief. The police further requested that everyone refrain from making sensitive comments about the matter during this tragic time, seemingly attempting to control the narrative and prevent further speculation. Adding another layer of complexity to the already convoluted situation, the girl's father released an emotional video appealing to the public not to politicize the tragedy. In the video, he claimed that his daughter had ended her life due to mental stress and unbearable trauma, stating that the Odisha government had done everything possible to help his family. He humbly requested that everyone pray for his daughter's soul and allow her to rest in peace, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and dignity in the face of personal loss. The father's statement, while seemingly intended to de-escalate the situation, has been met with skepticism and suspicion, particularly in light of the conflicting evidence and the initial reports of arson. The timing of the statement, released shortly after the police's announcement, has also raised questions about potential pressure or influence from authorities. The incident occurred in the Balanga area of Puri district, where eyewitnesses initially claimed that three men were involved in setting the girl on fire. Dukhishyam Senapati, a local resident who helped douse the flames and contacted the girl's family, provided a detailed account of the events, stating that the girl ran towards his house engulfed in flames, with her hands tied. He recounted how he, along with his wife and daughter, extinguished the fire and provided her with new clothes. According to Senapati, the girl told him that three men on two bikes had forcibly taken her to a riverbank, poured kerosene on her, and set her on fire. This eyewitness account directly contradicts the police's claim that no other person was involved, creating a significant discrepancy that has fueled public outrage and distrust. Furthermore, the girl's mother had previously filed a First Information Report (FIR) alleging that three unknown men had set her daughter on fire, further reinforcing the initial suspicion of arson. The conflicting narratives presented by the police, the father, eyewitnesses, and the mother have created a confusing and emotionally charged situation, leaving the public struggling to understand what truly happened. The case has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Odisha, with many demanding a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the truth. The conflicting statements and the lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances of the girl's death have raised serious questions about the integrity of the investigation and the potential for a cover-up. The police's attempt to control the narrative and the father's seemingly contradictory statement have further fueled suspicion and distrust, making it difficult to ascertain the truth. The incident highlights the importance of conducting thorough and unbiased investigations in cases of alleged violence, particularly when there are conflicting accounts and potential political sensitivities. It also underscores the need for transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies to maintain public trust and ensure that justice is served. The tragic death of the teenager serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly among young people. The conflicting narratives surrounding the case have created a complex and emotionally charged situation, leaving the public struggling to understand what truly happened and demanding a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the truth.
Source: Twist In Puri Burn Case: After Teen Dies, Father Flags 'Mental Distress'