Opposition rejects Odisha Police claim in minor girl’s death in Puri

Opposition parties intensified their criticism of the Mohan Majhi-led government, rejecting the Odisha Police’s claim that no one was involved in the incident in which a 15-year-old girl from Puri district died of burn injuries allegedly inflicted by miscreants.

Following the post-mortem conducted at AIIMS, New Delhi, the girl’s body was being brought to her native village under Balanga police station limits in Puri district for burial.

While the girl’s father and other family members appealed to political parties not to politicise the death, the Opposition remained unconvinced. The incident took place on July 19, when the minor girl sustained severe burn injuries after allegedly being set on fire.

Initial reports had suggested that three miscreants abducted and set the girl on fire. However, the State police, following an investigation, concluded that no one else was involved in the incident. The case triggered nationwide outrage over the BJP government’s handling of women’s safety, particularly in the wake of a separate case in which a college student self-immolated on the FM Autonomous College campus in Balasore, citing inaction on her complaint.

Alleging police inaction, both the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accused the government of failing to carry out a fair investigation.

At a press conference held in Bhubaneswar on Sunday (August 3, 2025), BJD leaders said the police had floated a “new theory” after the girl’s death - that no one else was involved. “This narrative is completely unacceptable to the public. It appears the police are trying to shield the real culprits and protect their political masters,” the party said.

Senior BJD leader Pramila Mallick held the BJP government responsible. “Even after two weeks, no arrests have been made, which raises serious questions about the police. Since the incident occurred in the constituency of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, there is growing public suspicion that some of her close associates and BJP workers may be involved. Yet, the police have taken no concrete steps to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Ms. Mallick said.

She also questioned the police’s immediate conclusion that no one else was involved, terming the statement premature and damaging to public trust.

BJD leader Tukuni Sahu echoed the concerns, accusing the government of trying to silence the victim’s family by offering ₹20 lakh compensation instead of pursuing justice.

The Congress also stepped up its attack, demanding the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Ms. Parida, alleging that she had interfered with the investigation.

“Despite the gravity of the incident, the government and police issued nothing more than condolence messages and tried to wash their hands of any responsibility,” the Congress stated at a press conference held at Congress Bhawan.

“The victim had given her statement four times and was mentally sound. As she was beginning to recover, her sudden and unexplained death has raised disturbing questions in the minds of people across the State,” said party spokesperson Sonali Sahu.

Ms. Sahu also questioned why, despite the girl’s multiple statements, the police had failed to identify or apprehend any suspects. “It is unfortunate and unacceptable,” she said.

Accusing the government of using the police to deflect public outrage and politicise the issue, the Congress warned that it would not remain silent. The party reiterated its demand for arrests and threatened to gherao the office of the Director-General of Police if no action was taken within seven days.