Odisha Becoming Unsafe for Women, Alleges Naveen Patnaik After Minor Girl Set Ablaze in Puri

Bhubaneswar: Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday alleged that Odisha is becoming increasingly unsafe for women due to administrative inaction and political protection extended to criminals.

Patnaik’s statement came in response to the shocking incident in Bayabar village under Balanga police station limits in Puri district, where a 15-year-old Plus II student was set on fire by unidentified miscreants near her residence. The girl is currently battling for life with approximately 70% burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The girl is being treated at the burns centre of the premier hospital, where her condition remains critical. According to AIIMS authorities, she has sustained around 70% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burns and is under intensive medical care.

The attack took place just a few hundred metres from the victim’s home and about 5 to 7 kilometres from the nearest police station, raising serious questions about the efficacy of local policing and public safety mechanisms in rural areas.

The brutal incident has triggered widespread outrage, drawing comparisons with a recent case in Balasore district where a student of FM College died after self-immolation, allegedly following institutional apathy and harassment.

Patnaik strongly criticised the current government for failing to protect women and girls across the state. “Such barbaric acts continue unabated due to lack of accountability and political shielding of wrongdoers. The state cannot remain a mute spectator as women suffer brutal attacks,” he said.

As public anger mounts, civil society groups and political parties have begun demanding swift action and justice for the victim. The state government is under mounting pressure to ensure the arrest of the culprits, improve women’s safety, and restore public faith in the rule of law.