Puri, July 26: Eight days after the horrific incident at Balanga in Odisha's Puri district, where a minor girl was allegedly set ablaze by unidentified miscreants, the police investigation is underway with no arrests yet.

Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra on Saturday visited Balanga Police Station to review the progress and assured that the probe is being conducted thoroughly and scientifically.

Speaking to the media, SP Mishra said, “The investigation is underway and is being pursued from all possible angles. Our special team has been stationed at the police station since the day of the incident and is working round the clock to gather every piece of evidence. We have secured several crucial leads and expect to reach a conclusion soon.”

SP Mishra assured that the investigation will yield conclusive results in the coming days.

The incident, which occurred on July 19 near the banks of the Bhargavi River, involved the alleged abduction and burning of a 15-year-old girl. She sustained over 70% burn injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi, where her condition is reported to be stable.

In a related development, the victim’s aunt, friend, and two others appeared before the JMFC Court in Nimapada, where their statements were recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Meanwhile, the Crime Branch, now jointly investigating the case with local police, has collected forensic samples and is analyzing a silver ring found at the crime scene, believed to be a key piece of evidence.

The case has sparked widespread public outrage and political attention, with leaders from both BJD and ruling BJP visiting the victim and her family at AIIMS Delhi.

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