A 15-year-old girl was allegedly doused in fuel and set ablaze by three unidentified men in Odisha’s Puri district on Saturday morning. The horrific incident occurred around 8:30 am near the Bhargavi River when the girl, a Class 12 student, was on her way to a friend’s house to hand over some books — just 1.5 kilometers from a nearby police station.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants intercepted the girl on a deserted stretch, forcibly restrained her, and then set her on fire before fleeing. Locals rushed to the scene upon hearing her screams and seeing the fire, quickly taking her to the Community Health Center in Pipili.

Due to the severity of her injuries, the girl was later shifted to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar. Officials confirmed that she suffered deep burn injuries on her hands, legs, and torso, and remains in critical condition.

The girl’s family has denied any possibilities of a personal dispute or a love affair being the motive. Investigators are treating it as a case of attempted murder. The identities of the attackers remain unknown as a police manhunt is underway.

Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister and Women and Child Development Minister, Pravati Parida, expressed deep sorrow over the crime. “I am shocked and saddened by this inhuman act. The girl has been shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and all treatment costs will be covered by the government. I’ve directed the police to ensure immediate arrest of the culprits and take strict action,” she said.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have pledged swift justice in the matter.