National: Odisha Student’s Tragic End Amid Harassment Allegations
Incident Overview
A 20-year-old BEd student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, succumbed to injuries after self-immolating on July 12, 2025, in a desperate protest against alleged sexual harassment by the Head of Department (HOD) and institutional inaction. The second-year student suffered 95% burns and passed away at AIIMS Bhubaneswar despite medical efforts.
Allegations and Institutional Failure
The victim had formally complained to the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on July 1, accusing HOD Samir Kumar Sahu of sexual harassment and threats to sabotage her academic future. Despite her explicit warning of suicide if no action was taken, the college allegedly failed to address the issue, prompting her drastic action during a protest outside the principal’s office.
Protest and Aftermath
On July 12, the student, joined by peers, staged a sit-in at the college gate, demanding accountability. After pouring petrol on herself and setting herself ablaze, fellow students attempted to save her, with two sustaining burn injuries. The incident, captured on CCTV, sparked widespread outrage and led to the arrest of both Sahu and the college principal, Dilip Ghosh.
Official Response
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief and promised stringent punishment for those responsible, announcing an ex gratia payment of Rs 20 lakh for the victim’s family. President Droupadi Murmu visited the student at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, offering support to her family. The state’s Higher Education Department mandated all colleges to establish ICCs under the POSH Act within 24 hours.
Ongoing Investigations
The Odisha government has launched a high-level inquiry, with the Crime Branch and a three-member committee probing the incident. The National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women have also taken cognizance, highlighting systemic failures in addressing sexual harassment complaints.
Public and Political Reactions
Opposition parties, including BJD and Congress, criticized the state government, alleging it failed the victim. Protests erupted outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar, with demands for justice and accountability. The victim’s father called for action against ICC members, accusing them of shielding the accused to protect the college’s reputation.