Self-immolation cases surge in Odisha; ‘Mental trap, copycat risk’ behind Balasore to Bargarh tragedies, suggest experts

From FM College in Balasore to the western heartland of Bargarh, Odisha is witnessing a disturbing series of burn incidents involving young women and girls.

In just about one month, four such cases have been reported, two minors and two young adults, each leaving behind unanswered questions and a growing sense of alarm among families, communities, and mental health experts.

Psychologists warn that a troubling cluster of burn incidents involving young women across Odisha may be driven more by acute psychological crisis and contagious behaviour than by isolated criminal acts.

Psychiatrists say the rapid succession of cases marks failures in early detection, emergency response, and community mental-health preparedness.

The “mental trap” and impulsivity

“Most of the time, victims face a mental trap. They are unable to think clearly and believe that it would be much easier to end this all. They try to reach for the nearest possible object to take their lives with and think that they can end this suffering,” said psychiatrist Dr. Samrat Kar, explaining the cognitive collapse that often precedes self-harm.

Dr. Kar emphasised that such acts are frequently impulsive rather than premeditated. In his view, family tensions, relationship conflicts and acute humiliation can trigger a sudden flood of emotional pain that narrows perception and decision-making.

He noted that while women are more likely to suffer depression arising from family matters, “they can also recover quickly” with timely intervention, making immediate recognition and help crucial.

Copycat behaviour and method selection

Experts warn that the pattern of near-consecutive incidents can create a contagion effect as publicised cases may unintentionally provide a model for vulnerable individuals.

Dr. Kar said the choice of fire as a method is particularly alarming because of its extreme lethality and the dramatic attention such deaths attract, which can increase the risk of imitation among those who identify with the previous victims.

What families and communities must watch for

Mental-health professionals urge families, school staff and neighbours to be alert to sudden behavioural changes: withdrawal from social contact, abrupt mood swings, talk of hopelessness, giving away possessions, or expressions that life is unbearable.

Dr. Kar urged that when such signals appear, family members should not wait, keep the person under supervision, remove obvious means of harm where possible, and seek medical and psychiatric help immediately.

Notably, the most recent case concerns a 13–14-year-old Class 8 girl found severely burnt on Monday morning in a football field in Firingimal village under Gaisilat police station limits while visiting her maternal uncle’s home. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Later, she succumbed to her burn injuries.

Locals say they administered first aid and waited over 45 minutes for ambulance services. Police are investigating whether the burns were self-inflicted or the result of an assault. No formal statement has been obtained from the family.