Odisha Deputy CM Says Will Resign 100 Times If It Could Bring Puri Girl Back to Life

In an emotional statement amid growing political pressure, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Monday said she is willing to resign from her post “100 times” if that could bring back the 15-year-old girl from Puri who died of severe burn injuries last week.

The girl, a resident of Bayabar village under Balanga police station limits in Puri district, belonged to Parida’s Nimapara assembly constituency. Her tragic death has sparked statewide outrage and calls from opposition parties demanding the deputy CM’s resignation.

Speaking after attending the minor’s funeral on Monday, Parida said, “If my resignation could bring that innocent girl back to life, I would resign not once but a hundred times. Let’s not politicize this tragedy.”

She also condemned the politicization of the incident, urging all parties to allow justice to take its course without leveraging the girl’s death for political mileage.

The 15-year-old girl had suffered critical burn injuries under mysterious circumstances and succumbed to them last week, prompting widespread demands for a thorough probe.

The Odisha government has already announced an investigation into the incident. Police officials said that the probe is ongoing, and all angles, including foul play, are being considered.

Parida reiterated her commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and her family, stating that she stands with them in their time of grief.

More developments are expected as the investigation progresses and political tensions continue to rise.