Fourth Young Woman Self-Immolates in Odisha in One Month
A 13-year-old girl is fighting for her life after allegedly setting herself on fire in Odisha’s Bargarh district, marking the fourth such incident involving young women in the state since mid-July. The Class VIII student was found on a football ground with severe burns. This disturbing pattern follows the deaths of three other women by burning in separate incidents in Balasore, Balanga, and Kendrapara, raising serious concerns about a growing social and mental health crisis in the region.
Unpacked:
Police say the Class 8 student used petrol to set herself on fire; the reason remains unknown. She was rescued with severe burns and later died at VIMSAR Burla. An Unnatural Death case is registered; a video recorded by the girl was seized, and all angles are being probed, including statements suggesting interpersonal distress. Officials also noted ambulance delays reported by locals.
Balasore (July 12): A 20-year-old self-immolated after alleging inaction on a sexual harassment complaint against her department head. Balanga (July 19): A minor was allegedly set on fire by three miscreants; she later died, though police initially termed it an attempted suicide; her father denied foul play, citing mental distress. Kendrapara (Aug 6): A third-year student’s charred body was found at home; investigation ongoing.
Reports highlight potential failures in grievance redressal for harassment complaints, contested police assessments in one case, and emergency response delays (ambulance took over 45 minutes in Bargarh). These point to gaps in campus and community safety, mental health support, and crisis response infrastructure that may exacerbate risks for young women.
Helplines include Tele MANAS at 14416 (24x7), Sneha Foundation at 044-24640050, and iCALL (TISS) at 022-25521111 (Mon–Sat, 8 am–10 pm). These services offer emotional support and crisis intervention and are referenced in local reporting on the Bargarh case.