Minor girl set on fire in Puri: Victim undergoes skin grafting; Crime Branch at Delhi AIIMS

A two-member Crime Branch team from Odisha arrived at Delhi AIIMS on Thursday for a detailed probe concerning the Balanga victim of Puri district, who was previously set on fire by three unidentified bike-borne miscreants.

The minor girl is currently undergoing skin grafting surgery, with a 5-6 hour operation underway since this morning.

Also Read: Puri victim critical, on oxygen support at Delhi AIIMS

According to sources, a Crime Branch team comprising two members has reached the AIIMS in New Delhi to investigate the case of the Balanga minor victim. The girl, undergoing treatment at the hospital, is receiving medical attention from a team of seven doctors.

Skin grafting surgery commenced at around 10.00 AM today, expected to take five to six hours. Yesterday, the operation had been delayed as the victim had a mild fever, which was communicated by the Deputy CM Pravati Parida.

No comments were received from the health facility authorities in his regard. The Odisha Crime Branch team is yet to issue any official response regarding the ongoing probe.

Worth mentioning, the health condition of the Balanga victim remained critical till yesterday as she continued to be on oxygen support at AIIMS. As per a medical bulletin released by the AIIMS, doctors have performed surgery on the severely burnt areas of her body.

In a press release, the health facility said, “A 16-year-old female patient who sustained 75 percent burns on July 19, 2025, was airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar and was received at the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, AIIMS New Delhi, on the next day.”

“On day 5, the minor girl underwent surgery for effective management of deep burns. She is currently on oxygen support and still remains in critical condition. A dedicated team of doctors is closely monitoring her progress,” the press release read.