Puri girl ‘set ablaze’ retracts earlier statement | Bhubaneswar News

BHUBANESWAR: The 15-year-old girl from Puri district, who had alleged that three unidentified men had set her ablaze on July 19, has retracted her previous statement during her testimony to police at AIIMS Delhi on Friday, police sources said. “She withdrew her initial statement that was recorded at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 19. She has now told us that she had given the narrative of the three unknown attackers out of trauma and stress,” a police source told TOI. While the investigating authorities have uncovered new leads during her latest testimony, they plan to formally record her statements again before an executive magistrate to ensure legal validity.Police officers refused to divulge the specifics of her statement at AIIMS Delhi, but sources indicated her latest testimony suggested a possible self-immolation attempt. “The girl appears to have experienced prolonged stress and trauma regarding personal matters, and someone might have provoked her decision towards self-harm,” the source said.SP (Puri) Pinak Mishra on Saturday visited the local police station to review the progress of investigation. “We have not yet reached any logical conclusion as our investigation is continuing from all possible angles,” Mishra told reporters without disclosing the details.Police said that currently no evidence supports either the FIR or the girl’s initial statement. Despite examining witness accounts, reviewing CCTV footage, and conducting forensic analysis of vehicle movements in the area, investigators found no evidence supporting her earlier claims involving attack by three men.Four persons, including a family member of the teen, deposed in a local court on Saturday and gave their testimony in connection with the case.Deputy CM Pravati Parida on Saturday told the media that the girl’s condition is improving. “She underwent two surgeries at AIIMS Delhi. A skin grafting procedure was done. Doctors said there is no infection and there is improvement in her health,” she added.Parida said the girl is speaking and taking normal food. “She is not on oxygen support. The government is arranging everything for her treatment and other necessities. It may take 40 to 50 days for her to recover,” she added.