Puri Minor Dies at AIIMS-Delhi, Mortal Remains to Return to Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The mortal remains of the 15-year-old girl from Balanga in Odisha’s Puri district, who succumbed to severe burn injuries, will be brought back to the state following a post-mortem examination at AIIMS-Delhi on Sunday.

The minor girl, who had sustained nearly 70% burn injuries in a tragic incident on July 19, died on Saturday evening while undergoing treatment in the Burn ICU at the premier medical institute.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed the death through a condolence message on social media platform ‘X’. Expressing profound grief, he wrote, “Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock care of the specialist team at AIIMS Delhi, her life could not be saved. I pray for the eternal peace of her soul and strength for the grieving family to bear this irreparable loss.”

Shortly after the announcement, the Odisha Police, which had been investigating the case, stated that no third party was involved in the incident. The victim’s father also confirmed that the girl had taken her own life due to intense mental distress.

The heartbreaking incident took place near the Bhargavi riverbanks in Balanga on July 19. After suffering the burns, the girl reportedly ran to a nearby house seeking help. Locals quickly responded, alerting her family and taking her to a local hospital. She was later shifted to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and then airlifted to AIIMS-Delhi on July 20 due to the critical nature of her injuries.

While under treatment, doctors reported that the girl was conscious and stable, though on oxygen support. She also underwent a skin grafting procedure as part of her recovery process. Unfortunately, despite medical intervention, her condition deteriorated.

The state continues to mourn the loss, with many expressing condolences to the bereaved family.