BJD Stages Protest outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar over Balanga Incident, Calls It Systemic Failure

Bhubaneswar: Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a massive protest outside the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar today, condemning the horrific incident in Balanga, Puri district, where a 15-year-old girl was allegedly set ablaze by three unidentified assailants.

The minor, who suffered severe burn injuries, is battling for her life at AIIMS Bhubenswar, sparking widespread outrage and reigniting concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Odisha.

Talking to media, BJD leader Pradeep Kumar Majhi expressed anguish over the incident, calling it a symptom of systemic failure.

“This horrific incident has shaken not just hearts but the entire state of Odisha. Just days ago, a girl in Balasore set herself ablaze to defend her dignity. Now, a 15-year-old, simply on her way to visit a friend, was doused in petrol and set on fire by criminals. She is fighting for her life. We are here to ensure she gets a chance to live,” Majhi said, emphasizing the need for urgent medical attention for the victim.

BJD leader Lekhasri Samantsinghar launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state government, accusing it of failing to protect women and maintain law and order.

“The BJP government is unable to control the state. They are unable to give justice to women or protection to our girls. Every day, girls are being sacrificed at the altar of criminals. The government is silent, playing dumb. We will not accept this. We demand the entire government resign and that an emergency be declared,” she said.

Samantsinghar also called out Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, noting that the incident occurred in her constituency. “The Deputy CM, a woman herself, has remained silent. Her silence is unacceptable. She needs to resign,” the BJD leader added.

The Balanga incident, which occurred in broad daylight on Saturday morning in Bayabar village, follows closely on the heels of the tragic self-immolation of a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who succumbed to 95% burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.