Youth sets himself on fire in Khordha, battling for life

In a deeply troubling trend, Odisha has witnessed three disturbing cases of young people allegedly dying by fire in a month, all under suspicious and tragic circumstances.

Another such incident involves a youth from Niali (Cuttack) who allegedly set himself ablaze at Balipatna Square in Khordha district on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day. According to eyewitnesses, the youth poured petrol over his body before igniting himself, leaving bystanders in shock.

Locals and passersby rushed to douse the flames and alerted the police. The injured youth was immediately taken to a nearby hospital and later shifted to Bhubaneswar in critical condition. Medical sources said that over 80 percent of his body had sustained burn injuries, and his condition remains extremely serious.

Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the motive behind the act. Preliminary information suggests that personal distress may have driven the youth to take this extreme step, though no official confirmation has been made.

This is not an isolated case. Just a few days back, a 37-year-old woman, Archana Das from Pipili, died after sustaining severe burns. Likewise, a student from FM College reportedly set herself on fire. Later, a few days after, a minor girl from Puri’s Balanga also allegedly died by self-immolation. She was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi, but breathed her last during treatment.

The rising number of deaths due to fire has become a matter of serious concern.