Bhubaneswar: Reacting sharply to the horrific incident in which a 15-year-old girl was set on fire by unidentified miscreants in Balanga, Puri district, Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, questioned when the State Government would "wake up from its deep slumber" and take swift, concrete action.

In a post on X, Patnaik demanded a firm assurance from the government to prevent such crimes against women from recurring. Citing the Balanga incident, he also referred to the recent self-immolation attempt by a female student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College and the gangrape of a young woman in Gopalpur. Patnaik said such horrifying incidents have become a daily occurrence in Odisha.

“These incidents, occurring with shocking regularity, point to a deep systemic failure of governance. It shows that criminals have become emboldened under the current regime and feel no fear of punishment,” his post stated.

Patnaik, who is also the President of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and former Chief Minister of Odisha, expressed deep anguish and strongly condemned the Balanga incident. He further alleged Odisha is becoming increasingly unsafe for women due to government inaction and political patronage.

Terming the incident a case of ‘culpable homicide’, senior Congress leader Prasad Harichandan demanded an ex-gratia of ₹1 crore for the victim. He also questioned the action taken by the police in connection with the incident, which occurred in the Nimapara block. 

Harichandan further pointed out that the gruesome crime took place at a time when Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi holds the Home Department portfolio and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida represents the Nimapara constituency in the State Legislative Assembly.

Earlier in the day, the Plus II girl student was allegedly attacked while on her way to a friend’s house in Bayabar village, Puri district. According to reports, three unidentified youths on a motorcycle intercepted her, tied a handkerchief around her face, poured an inflammable substance on her, and set her on fire.

The incident took place about 5 to 7 kilometers from the Balanga police station. Locals rushed to her rescue and immediately shifted her to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, where she is currently undergoing treatment.

Commenting on the matter, DGP YB Khurania said an investigation is underway and the culprits will be arrested soon. The Puri SP has visited the scene to conduct an inquiry.