Puri: Providing updates on the horrific Balanga incident in which a 15-year-old girl sustained 75% burn injuries after being set on fire, Puri SP Pinak Mishra today said investigators are actively exploring a possible conspiracy behind the attack.

The SP informed a cyber expert has been engaged to assist with the investigation. "All possible angles are being examined, including how the accused procured kerosene to set the girl ablaze," he said.

As of now, no one has been detained in connection with the case, and no CCTV footage from the area has been recovered, Mishra added.

Statements from the victim’s relatives and friends have been recorded. Additionally, the victim’s own statement has been documented in the presence of a judge under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The SP said the top priority remains the girl’s medical treatment.

The police received the first report of the incident around 9 AM on Friday. The victim’s mother has filed a formal complaint at the Balanga Police Station.

Earlier in the day, the Plus II student was reportedly attacked on her way to a friend’s house in Bayabar village, located in Puri district. Three unidentified youths on a motorcycle allegedly intercepted her, tied a handkerchief around her face, poured an inflammable liquid on her, and set her on fire.

The incident occurred approximately 5 to 7 kilometres from the Balanga police station. Local residents rushed to her aid and promptly shifted her to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she is currently undergoing treatment.