Death of Puri burn victim: Police says ignore social media posts; claims probe in last stage

Time of India

a day ago

Odisha police have urged people not to pay attention to social media posts about the death of a 15-year-old girl due to urn injuries, in Puri district, as it is a sensitive matter, involving a minor.
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Puri superintendent of police, Pinak Mishra, said that the investigation was proceeding towards its conclusion and they were also looking into who recorded and circulated a video clip showing the injured girl speaking, which went viral on Sunday.
The incident dates back to 19 July, when the girl's mother filed an FIR at Balanga police station alleging that her daughter had been kidnapped and set on fire by three persons on the banks of the Bhargavi river.
With 70% burns, the teenager was airlifted to AIIMS-Delhi the following day, but she died on 2 August.
Hours after her death, police stated in a post on X, 'According to the investigation conducted so far, it is clear that no other person is involved.' Her father also remarked, without elaborating, that his daughter was 'under mental pressure and took her life'.
Responding to circulating social media posts where the girl was heard speaking about the incident, Mishra appealed for restraint.
'Please do not pay attention to such posts. I also appeal to all that one should refrain from forwarding such sensitive content involving a minor victim,' he said.
The SP added that the investigation was almost complete, with police awaiting reports from the forensic science laboratory before submitting a charge sheet in court.
'Initially, there were some specific allegations, which had also been part of the FIR. On that day when the victim was being shifted to the hospital, she had made a similar statement.
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I think the video that has gone viral was made that day,' Mishra explained.
He further noted, 'We are probing into who actually recorded the video and how it went to social media. This was a confidential matter.' Mishra said assistance had been sought from the cyber team and warned against sharing any material involving the minor.
'Since the victim is a minor, her name or video involving her should not go viral. This is a violation of the Juvenile Justice Act,' he said, adding that the victim's final statement had been recorded in the presence of a judicial magistrate.
'We have followed complete transparency in the investigation. The family members of the victims were aware of it. Therefore, I appeal again to ignore the social media video on this matter,' Mishra reiterated.
Meanwhile, the political row over the case escalated as senior BJD leaders Lenin Mohanty, Ipsita Sahoo and Subrat Chhatoi accused the BJP government of protecting those responsible for the incident.
'We demand a judicial inquiry into the matter and resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida as the incident took place in her Nimapara assembly constituency. A judicial probe will reveal the truth as the police's role is also suspected,' Mohanty said at a press conference.