Puri burn victim to be airlifted to AIIMS Delhi today as her condition remains critical

The 16-year-old girl from Bayabar in Puri district, who suffered severe burn injuries in a brutal attack on Saturday, is likely to be airlifted to AIIMS Delhi within the next few hours, following a deterioration in her condition.

The decision comes amid continuous monitoring by a 14-member medical team at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she is currently being treated.

According to the victim’s brother, communication between medical authorities in Bhubaneswar and Delhi has been finalised, and preparations for the airlift are underway. “All coordination with AIIMS Delhi is complete. She will be airlifted very soon,” he told OTV.

Hospital officials confirmed that the girl remains in critical condition, with 70–75 percent deep burns over her limbs, back, and torso. Though not on a ventilator, she continues to receive oxygen support and is being treated in the Burn ICU.

“We are in constant touch with AIIMS Delhi. She is responsive, but the depth of her burns is concerning. Her treatment continues with close observation,” said Dr Sanjay Giri, Head of the Burn Unit at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Brutal Attack Sparks Statewide Outrage

The girl was reportedly on her way to visit a friend on the morning of July 19 when she was allegedly intercepted by three unidentified men near the Bhargavi River and set on fire.

The spot of the attack is just 1.5 kilometres from Balanga police station. Alerted by her screams, local residents rushed to rescue her and took her to a nearby hospital. She was later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for specialised care on government orders.

The incident has triggered a political firestorm, with opposition leaders criticising the state government over deteriorating law and order and demanding swift justice.
No arrests have been made yet, although a special police team is reportedly working on multiple leads under close state-level supervision.