Puri-Balanga victim had set herself on fire: Odisha CM in Assembly

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed on Monday that the Puri-Balanga victim herself had admitted to setting herself on fire, which subsequently led to her untimely death while undergoing treatment in AIIMS New Delhi. This revelation came in response to a question posed in the House by BJD MLA Ananta Narayan Jena.

Also Read: Puri minor girl burn case: Victim’s statement recorded for 3rd time at Delhi AIIMS

The CM stated that the minor girl, who later succumbed to her injuries during treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi, had made a dying declaration saying she poured kerosene on herself and lit the fire. At that time, her statement was recorded in the presence of both Delhi Court officials and AIIMS doctors before her death.

The case had sparked widespread public outrage and speculation about the circumstances leading to the incident. However, this official confirmation of the victim’s own testimony may drive the ongoing investigation and public discourse.

“After undergoing treatment for around 14 days in New Delhi AIIMS, the victim girl died on August 2, 2025. Before her death, her statement was recorded by South District Court No-37, Saket, New Delhi under Section 183 of the BNS,” the written reply stated.

“Apart from this, the doctors treating her (the minor girl) at AIIMS New Delhi had also recorded her dying declaration. In both statements, the victim minor had stated that she herself had poured kerosene on herself and set herself on fire,” the reply mentioned.

Worth mentioning, in a major development in the assault and burn case in Puri district, the statement of the Balanga victim minor girl, was officially recorded on July 30 at AIIMS New Delhi for the third time. Conducted in the presence of a local Magistrate, the process marked a significant step towards the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.