13-year-old girl sets self on fire in Bargarh village, dies

A 13-year-old girl of Bargarh died hours after an alleged self-immolation bid that left her with over 80 percent burns, in Phiringimal village under Gaesilat police limits of the district on Monday.

- MAYANK BHUSAN PANI

Villagers found the minor girl unconscious in a football field with her body almost charred. A bottle of petrol and a matchbox were recovered from the spot. She was taken to VIMSAR in Burla, where she succumbed during treatment.

Preliminary investigation points at family disputes, but police are investigating all possible angles. Two persons have been picked up for questioning.

The girl is believed to have poured petrol on herself in a nearby field and set herself ablaze around 7.30 am. Villagers rescued her but arranging an ambulance immediately proved a tough ask. She was taken to a private hospital, from where she was shifted to VIMSAR.