Rajgangpur shock: Girl student critical after self-immolation bid; Police detain youth over ‘relationship row’

Nearly a day after attempting to set herself on fire, a Plus 3 girl student from Rajgangpur in Sundargarh district continues to battle for her life with nearly 90 per cent burn injuries. Doctors at Ispat General Hospital (IGH), Rourkela, informed that her condition is critical.

Meanwhile, police have detained a youth in connection with the incident and have begun questioning him, while senior officers, including the Sundargarh SP, reached the spot and reviewed the circumstances. 

Relationship Dispute Suspected

Police sources said preliminary enquiries suggest a possible dispute with a male acquaintance shortly before the incident. Officers stated that the exact cause remains under verification and would be established only after detailed investigation and a statement from the survivor, depending on her medical condition.

The youth has been detained for questioning, and police are examining the events that occurred before the alleged self-immolation attempt.

Local Statements Recorded

Sources reported that soon after the incident, senior police officials, including the Sundargarh SP, visited Lanjiberna and inspected the residence where the self-immolation bid occurred. 

Statements from family members, neighbours and other witnesses have been recorded. Officers also carried out an on-site examination of the location and initiated further inquiry at the Rajgangpur police station.

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Girl Shifted To Rourkela

Sources reported that the girl, said to be in her second year of Plus 3, reportedly poured kerosene on herself before setting herself ablaze inside the house.

Family members and neighbours, who noticed the fire, rushed her to the Rourkela Government Hospital in a severely burned state. She was subsequently shifted to IGH for specialised treatment owing to the extent of her injuries.

Hospital authorities at IGH confirmed that the girl continues to be under intensive medical care because of the high degree of burns.