Three detained for questioning in Bargarh minor girl’s death case 

The investigation into the mysterious death of a 13-year-old schoolgirl, who allegedly set herself on fire at her maternal uncle’s house in Phiringmal village, has been intensified, with three persons detained for questioning. 

The girl succumbed to her severe burn injuries on Monday at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla.

Bolangir SP Abilash G said the police are probing various angles, including domestic disputes and strained relationships. 

The victim, a Class 8 student from an ashram school, had recently come to her uncle’s house and was reportedly unwell. Her father works as a migrant laborer in Tamil Nadu.

Northern Range IGP Himanshu Lal confirmed a special team is leading the inquiry. Authorities have recovered a video related to the incident, and several locals, including a petrol seller and distant relatives, are being questioned.

Though the exact reason behind the minor girl’s death is yet to be known, it is suspected that a family dispute might be the reason, sources added.

This tragic case is the fourth incident of self-immolation reported in Odisha within the past month, drawing widespread outrage and prompting opposition parties like the BJD and Congress to send fact-finding teams to the area.

The exact cause of the incident remains unknown, with post-mortem and forensic reports awaited before conclusions can be drawn.