Puri minor girl set on fire: Victim’s statement to be recorded again after conflicting testimonies

In a significant development in the Balanga incident in Puri, where a minor girl was set on fire, discrepancies have emerged between the survivor’s statements recorded at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and AIIMS Delhi, prompting authorities to consider recording her statement once again in the presence of a Magistrate.

According to sources, the Crime Branch team, which recently returned from Delhi, held a detailed discussion with the Puri SP at Balanga police station. The officials reviewed the survivor’s earlier testimonies and assessed the inconsistencies that have surfaced between the two versions recorded at the respective hospitals.

A high-level meeting took place at Balanga police station involving the Crime Branch, local police, and medical experts. It was decided that the survivor’s statement would be recorded afresh under Magistrate supervision to ensure clarity and admissibility in court.

Meanwhile, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who visited AIIMS Delhi to meet the survivor and her family, informed the media that two surgeries, including skin grafting, have been performed on the girl. Doctors have indicated that her condition is gradually improving.

With multiple crucial facts reportedly obtained by the investigating team, the case may see new twists in the coming days.