Bhubaneswar, Aug 4: The final rites of the Balanga minor victim, who succumbed to severe burn injuries at AIIMS Delhi, were performed in her native village Bayabar under in Odisha’s Puri district on Monday.  Following traditional Muslim customs, the body was buried after community prayers, as grief engulfed the village.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and emphasized that the Odisha government had taken all possible steps for the victim’s treatment, including airlifting her to Delhi for advanced care. Despite these efforts, the girl could not be saved, triggering widespread mourning and political unrest.

The tragedy has sparked a fierce political row. The Congress staged protests in Bhubaneswar and announced a padyatra from Balanga to Nimapara.

Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) declared a six-hour bandh in Puri on August 7, demanding justice and transparency in the investigation. BJD leaders accused the BJP-led government of mishandling the case and shielding culprits, while Congress demanded the resignation of Deputy CM Parida, citing the incident occurred in her constituency.

In response, Parida condemned the politicization of the victim’s death, stating, “Let us not play politics over a woman’s corpse.” The victim’s father also appealed to political parties to refrain from exploiting the tragedy.

Police have maintained that no other individuals were involved in the incident, and the case is being investigated thoroughly. However, opposition leaders continue to question the sudden emergence of a “suicide theory” and the timing of official statements.

As Odisha mourns the loss of a young life, the political temperature continues to rise, with parties trading accusations and mobilizing public support. The demand for justice remains at the forefront, as citizens and civil society call for accountability and reform in women’s safety measures.

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