Bhubaneswar, December 11: A 16-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide by self-immolation in Aska block of Odisha's Ganjam district on Monday. The deceased, identified as Puja Gouda, was a resident of Bhetanai village in Ganjam district. "The deceased was a Plus 2 first year student of Ahalya Devi Junior Women's College in Balipadar area of the district. Her father works in a private company in Surat in Gujarat, while Puja along with her brother and mother was staying in Bhetanai village," said a police officer.

The locals told police that Puja's brother had gone to college and mother to the neighbouring village for some work on Monday when she reportedly set herself on fire after drenching herself with kerosene. Odisha Shocker: Man Ends Life by Hanging Himself at Girlfriend's House After Heated Argument in Sisupalgarh; Family Claims Murder.

"The locals spotted thick smoke coming out of Puja's house while the house was locked from inside. They also heard loud screams of the deceased and rushed to the deceased's residence. When the locals broke into the house, they reportedly spotted Puja lying on the ground with severe burn injuries. World Cup Final 2023: Two People Allegedly Die by Suicide in West Bengal and Odisha After India's Loss to Australia in ICC CWC Finals.

"Upon being informed, we immediately reached the spot and started an investigation into the case to find out the reasons behind the extreme step. The family members are yet to file a complaint in this regard," the official added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 11, 2023 10:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).