Bargarh minor girl succumbs to burn injuries while undergoing treatment in Burla; police claim to have recovered a video

A minor girl, who allegedly set herself ablaze on Monday morning in Phiringimal village, under the Gaisilat police station limits of Bargarh district, succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment in Burla.

According to reports, the incident occurred earlier in the day when the girl was found lying unconscious in a football field in the village. Her body reportedly completely burnt. A petrol bottle and a matchbox were recovered from the spot.

Taken To Hospital In Critical Condition

Following the incident, she was rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment and later transferred to Burla as her condition was extremely critical. Despite the efforts of the medical team, she died while receiving treatment at Burla Hospital.

Police Statement On Case Progress

Bolangir SP Rishikesh D. Khilari said, “The doctor has declared her death just now. Her family has filed a report that she self-immolated, and based on that we have filed an unnatural death (UD) case. Following that, other proceedings like her post-mortem and investigation into the cause of her death are underway. The video she had recorded before her death, we have seized that as well. Police is investigating all angles at this time.”

IGP (Northern Range) Himanshu Lal,  said, “The girl was living here for the past one month, and she was supposed to return to her hostel today or tomorrow. We are investigating various angles, including what happened at her home earlier today and the possible reasons that led to this.”

Cause Yet To Be Confirmed

While it has not yet been ascertained whether she set herself on fire or was set ablaze by someone else, local accounts claim that the girl had set herself ablaze, sustaining severe burn injuries all over her body.

Delay In Ambulance Arrival Alleged

Villagers alleged that they had to wait for over 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive at the spot after the incident.

Final Statement Of The Girl

Meanwhile, OTV has the final statement of the Bargarh victim. In an audio, she claimed that she is studying in Class 8 and is 13 years old. From an audio clip, it appears that she was being harassed by a girl. The victim’s final statement may provide clues to the police.

Law Minister Reacts To The Unfortunate Incident

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan called the incident ‘deeply unfortunate’ and emphasised that suicide is never a solution. “The Chief Minister’s doors are open to everyone,” he said, urging people to seek help rather than resort to fatal measures.

“The government is treating the Bargarh case with the utmost seriousness and will take strict action against any offender found guilty. All police officers in the state have been advised to register complaints promptly and will face action if they fail to do so,” he added.