Bhubaneswar: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Saturday strongly condemned the horrific attack on a teenage girl in Odisha’s Puri district, calling it a glaring example of rising violence against women under the current BJP-led government. Expressing deep anguish, the BJD president said, “I am deeply shocked to learn that a young girl was set ablaze in broad daylight in Balanga. This horrific attempt to kill her is beyond disturbing. I strongly condemn this inhuman act.” The 16-year-old Plus II student was allegedly intercepted by three unidentified youths while she was on her way to deliver books to a friend in the Bayabar area of Nimapada Tehsil on Saturday morning. The assailants reportedly lifted her near the Bhargavi River road and set her on fire before fleeing the scene. Locals who heard her screams rushed to help and managed to douse the flames. She suffered 70 per cent burn injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, after initial care at Pipili Community Health Centre and Capital Hospital. Patnaik linked the attack to a disturbing pattern of gender-based violence in the state, citing recent cases that have outraged the public. “This comes just days after the tragic incident in FM College, where a girl set herself ablaze seeking justice, and weeks after the Gopalpur atrocity,” he said. Calling it a “complete breakdown of governance,” Patnaik alleged that such incidents are no longer isolated but part of a growing trend. “Crimes against women are now being reported almost daily across Odisha. This indicates a deep systemic failure. Criminals appear emboldened under the current administration due to inaction and political shielding,” he charged. Demanding swift justice, he urged the government to arrest the perpetrators without delay and take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida termed the incident “deeply tragic” and directed police to arrest the culprits immediately. She also announced that the government would bear the full cost of the victim’s treatment and plans to visit AIIMS to meet the girl personally.
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