Odisha's Deputy CM Ready to Resign for Justice in Tragic Case of Puri Girl

A Heartfelt Response to Tragedy

Bhubaneswar: On Monday, Pravati Parida, the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, expressed her willingness to resign from her position multiple times if it could somehow restore the life of a 15-year-old girl from Puri who tragically passed away due to severe burn injuries last week.

Her remarks came in response to calls from opposition parties demanding her resignation following the girl's death, who was a resident of her Nimapara assembly constituency.

After attending the minor's funeral in her Bayabar village, located in the Balanga police station area of Puri district, Parida condemned the political maneuvering surrounding the incident.

She stated, “I would resign a hundred times if it could bring her back, but I refuse to accept any political exploitation of her death,” while speaking to the media.

Parida emphasized that the state government had taken all necessary measures to save the girl, who suffered over 70% burns.

The girl was reportedly kidnapped and set on fire by three men near the Bhargavi River on July 19. Following the incident, she was airlifted to AIIMS-Delhi the next day, where she underwent multiple surgeries and skin grafting before succumbing to her injuries on Saturday evening.

In a statement shortly after her death, Odisha police assured the public that the investigation was thorough and nearing completion, asserting that no other individuals were implicated.

The girl's father mentioned that she was under significant mental distress and took her own life, urging against politicizing her tragic end.

Parida reiterated, “The girl was transported to AIIMS Delhi within 24 hours of the incident. The state government did everything possible to save her, including procuring medicines from external sources. We did our utmost, but sadly, she passed away. The government stands with her family.”

She called for an end to political games surrounding this sensitive issue.

In related news, members of the Youth Congress clashed with security forces while attempting to protest outside Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's residence on the same day.