Bhubaneshwar, July 19 || Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday blasted the BJP government over the rising crime against women in the state and condemned the horrific incident where a minor was set ablaze by three unknown assailants in Puri's Balanga.
The victim has suffered 70 per cent burn injuries and has been referred to AIIMS Bhubaneshwar for further medical treatment.
Taking to X, Patnaik posted, "Deeply anguished to know that a young girl was set on fire in Balanga area of Puri District. This attempt to kill her happened in broad daylight. I strongly condemn this horrible act."
This case comes just days after a 20-year-old college student who died after setting herself ablaze over alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against the Head of Department (HoD) of her college.
The second-year Integrated B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore had suffered 95 per cent burns after immolating herself on Saturday. She succumbed to her injuries on Monday at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, sparking widespread outrage and political condemnation across the state.
"It has happened just within a week of the terrible incident of a young girl setting herself ablaze in FM College after she was denied justice -- even after knocking on every door, and a month after the horrific incident in Gopalpur," Patnaik said.