Girl in Eighth Grade succumbs to burns following self-immolation in Odisha village
In the past month, Odisha, India, has witnessed a concerning increase in self-immolation cases involving women and girls. These incidents, driven by psychological distress, social issues, and family disputes, have raised concerns about the gaps in mental health support, police responsiveness, social safety nets, and the impact of media reporting on vulnerable individuals.
A 20-year-old college student from Balasore set herself on fire on July 12, accusing an assistant professor of sexual harassment. She passed away two days later from her injuries. A 15-year-old girl allegedly set on fire by three unknown men in Puri district on July 19 died on August 3 while undergoing treatment in AIIMS New Delhi. A 19-year-old woman in Kendrapara died by self-immolation on August 6, linked to alleged police inaction on her complaint of blackmail by a male friend. A 35-year-old woman in Dhenkanal attempted self-immolation due to financial struggles related to family loans, while a 13-year-old in Bargarh district died from burns hours after self-immolation. A 30-year-old man in Bhubaneswar suffered severe burns in a self-immolation attempt triggered by a family dispute.
In a tragic turn of events, a case originally reported as self-immolation on August 15 in Khurda district was found to be a murder, where family members allegedly poured petrol on a 42-year-old man and set him ablaze over a property dispute; three arrests were made.
The Odisha police have acknowledged the rise in self-immolation cases and have urged all District Superintendents of Police to review grievances, especially those involving women and children, and have initiated awareness campaigns to address mental health and prevent copycat suicides.
The recent incidents have brought to light the need for improved mental health support and police responsiveness in the region. The police have confirmed investigations into each case and have taken necessary measures to address the issues at hand.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, several helplines are available for emotional support, such as Sneha Foundation (04424640050), Tele Manas (14416), and iCall (02225521111).
In a separate incident, a 16-year-old girl from Phiringimala village, Bargarh district, died after allegedly setting herself on fire. The girl's father is a migrant laborer working in a private firm in Tamil Nadu. The police are investigating the reasons behind the self-immolation and have seized the video of the girl's statement. The Inspector General of Police (Northern Range), Himansu Kumar Lal, has stated that police have initiated an investigation into the matter.
The Odisha police and local authorities are working diligently to address these issues and provide support to those in need. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking help when needed.
- The recent surge in self-immolation cases, primarily involving women and girls in Odisha, has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced mental health support and police responsiveness in the region.
- Amidst the growing concern over the increase in self-immolation cases, the Odisha police have launched awareness campaigns to address mental health and prevent potential copycat suicides.
- In the aftermath of several self-immolation cases triggered by a variety of factors including social issues, family disputes, and psychological distress, a demand for improved health-and-wellness services and crime-and-justice system responsiveness is rising.
- The investigation into the self-immolation case of a 16-year-old girl from Phiringimala village in Bargarh district is ongoing, with the local authorities and police diligently working to uncover the reasons behind her tragic incident.
