Another Odisha minor girl battles for life after being found burnt in a field in Bargarh

Another minor girl is battling for life in Bargarh district after an alleged self-immolation attempt. The incident took place on Monday around 8 am in Phiringimal village under Gaisilat police station limits.

Found Burnt In Maternal Uncle’s Village

According to reports, the girl, aged between 13 and 14 years is studying in Class 8. She was visiting her maternal uncle’s house when the incident occurred. 

She was found lying unconscious in a football field in the village, her body reportedly completely burnt. Whether she set herself ablaze or was set on fire by someone else has not been ascertained yet.

However, as per local accounts, the girl set herself ablaze and sustained burn injuries all over her body.

Delay In Ambulance Services 

Locals alleged that they had to wait for over 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive at the spot. In the meantime, villagers administered first aid and repeatedly appealed for emergency assistance, including through OTV. They expressed frustration over poor ambulance services in the area and delay in arrival of police at the scene. 

A local resident said, “When we heard about the news, we rushed to the spot and found her completely burnt. She is in a critical condition and needs immediate treatment. We are making efforts to send her to hospital as soon as possible. There is poor ambulance service in the area.”

Girl Sent To Hospital

The girl was eventually rescued from the field and admitted to hospital, where her condition remains critical. Some locals said she hails from the Tendapatar area. 

Questions are being raised whether this was a case of self-immolation or if a miscreant was involved.

No reactions could be obtained from her family or relatives.

Girl Remains Critical 

The condition of the minor girl from Bargarh was reported to be very critical and was shifted to Burla for advanced medical care. In Burla, an independent team of doctors started treating her. Police had also reached at the spot and launched an investigation. 

Meanwhile, a police team visited the Phiringimal village to investigate the incident. A special investigation team, including three IICs, has been formed to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.

IGP (Northern Range) Himanshu Lal said, "The investigation has begun, and we will take proper and exact action in the matter. Let her receive treatment first, and we will proceed further as per the law. We will ensure a thorough investigation."