Puri girl set on fire: Tension escalates at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, section 163 imposed

The Commissionerate Police on Saturday night imposed section -163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) around the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) campus in Bhubaneswar, following heightened tension over the recent incident where a minor girl was reportedly set on fire in Puri.

As a result, the police have declared sections of the area as restricted zones, implementing Section 163 to ensure the area is entirely cleared. Political party workers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Congress engaged in exchanges of slogans near the campus, fuelling tensions.

In response, the police have prioritised security, deploying three platoons of forces in the region to maintain order.

“We were protesting peacefully. The police are evicting us forcefully. This is a conspiracy to kill the girl and hide evidence. This is a shame for the entire society and a big blow to the safety and security of our sisters and mothers,” alleged a leader from the opposition party.

Likewise, another leader stated, “If the girl dies by any chance, then the State government will be responsible. This government is also responsible for the death of Soumyashree Bisi. Fourteen hours have passed, but the Deputy CM Pravati Parida is nowhere to be seen.”

No comments were received from the ruling party or the government authorities.