Bhubaneswar: Police investigating the Puri incident where a 15-year-old girl was allegedly set on fire by three unknown men near her village on Saturday are also examining the possibility of self-immolation, based on new circumstantial evidence.Investigators discovered a plastic container at the girl’s residence which matches the two kerosene bottles found at the incident site, suggesting a potential self-inflicted act and raising question mark about the initial narrative.”We are investigating from all possible angles. Our team of forensic science experts and forensic medicine specialists are meticulously examining every piece of evidence before reaching any conclusion. This process will take time,” IGP (central range) S Praveen Kumar told TOI.The girl, currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi, where she was transferred on Sunday, claimed she was attacked by three unidentified assailants who allegedly set her on fire. Police are circumspect given that though the alleged incident occurred in broad daylight, there were no eyewitnesses.”We have taken the girl’s complaint with all seriousness.Our investigation continues as experts analyse forensic evidence and medical reports to determine the circumstances leading to the girl’s injuries,” Puri SP Pinak Mishra said.Professor Jayant Kumar Dash, a prominent plastic and cosmetic surgeon at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, explained the complexity involved in the case. “Burn injuries appear similar whether caused by accident, suicide or homicide. Medical professionals typically rely on victim statements in cases where the cause is not immediately apparent,” Dr Dash said.Doctor Laxmikant Behera, a forensic medicine and toxicology expert at Capital Hospital, had a different opinion. “Burn patterns can indicate whether injuries were accidental, self-inflicted, or caused by others. These details are crucial for investigation,” Dr Behera said, highlighting the challenges police are up against.A doctor from AIIMS Bhubaneswar, who was treating the victim, refused to go into the details. “Given the sensitive nature of this case, we are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will share our medical findings with the investigating team. It is difficult to arrive at a conclusion now,” the doctor said.