Woman Attempts Suicide by Setting Herself on Fire in Odisha: Sixth Incident Reported This Month

In Odisha's Puri district, a woman set herself ablaze, becoming the sixth case of such incidents in just over a month. The woman, aged 37, reportedly faced debt issues. She is currently in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

A tragic incident occurred in Odisha's Puri district, where a woman reportedly attempted to end her life by setting herself on fire. This marks the sixth such case in the state within just over a month. Of these incidents, four individuals, including two minors, have died.

In the latest case, a 37-year-old woman, burdened by debt, set herself ablaze at her rented home in Pipili town. Her husband and daughter were not present at the time. She is currently receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and remains in critical condition.

Self-Immolation Cases Rise in Odisha

The woman was initially taken to Pipili hospital by locals before being transferred to AIIMS due to severe burn injuries covering 70 to 80 percent of her body. Family sources confirmed her critical state. Puri Additional SP Sachin Patel stated that police seized a kerosene bottle, a handwritten suicide note, and a matchbox from the scene.

"During preliminary investigation, we found that she made an attempt to die by suicide due to debt burden. In the suicide note, however, she has not blamed anyone," Patel said. Urmila Mohapatra from the State Commission for Women visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to record her statement but was unable to do so as the patient could not speak.

Investigation and Family Statements

According to Mohapatra, family members stated that the woman was found burned when her husband was away. They also mentioned there was no family dispute involved. This incident adds to a series of self-immolation cases involving women and girls across various districts since July 12.

On July 12, a student self-immolated inside her college in Balasore district and succumbed to her injuries two days later. She had accused a teacher of sexual harassment. In another case on July 19, a 15-year-old girl from Puri district was set on fire and died on August 2. Initially, her family alleged involvement of three unidentified individuals, but police found no evidence supporting this claim.

Recent Tragic Incidents

A college student in Kendrapara district allegedly immolated herself on August 6 due to blackmail by an ex-boyfriend and died instantly. A 13-year-old schoolgirl from Bargarh district set herself on fire on August 12 and died in hospital the same day. Another woman from Dhenkanal district set herself ablaze on August 13 following a family quarrel and is currently receiving medical care.

These incidents highlight a concerning trend of self-immolation among women and girls in Odisha for various reasons. Authorities continue to investigate these cases while providing necessary support to affected families.

With inputs from PTI