Odisha student, who self-immolated over inaction on harassment complaint, dies

A female college student in Odisha, who reportedly tried to set herself on fire following prolonged sexual harassment, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar on Monday evening.

The 20-year-old female student studying B. Ed. at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore self-immolated on campus after her ongoing reports of sexual harassment from her Head of Department reportedly went ignored by the principal and college officials. She had been fighting for her life after suffering 90 percent burns. The Burn Centre Department at AIIMS Bhubaneswar stated that the student was admitted to the emergency room on July 12 after being transferred from the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital.

She was given every available intensive treatment — such as mechanical ventilation, IV assistance, antibiotics, and kidney therapy — but succumbed to her injuries late on July 14. “The hospital confirmed that she was pronounced clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.”

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his grief and pledged strict action against the perpetrators. ”

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of the female student from FM Autonomous College,” Majhi posted on X. “Despite the government’s fulfilment of all responsibilities and the tireless efforts of the expert medical team, the victim’s life could not be saved.”

The Chief Minister also assured the victim’s family of unwavering support and justice. “All those guilty in this case will face the strictest punishment as per the law. For this, I have personally issued instructions to the authorities. The government stands firmly with the family,” he said.

Classmates reported that the woman had experienced mental turmoil for weeks, supposedly stemming from ongoing harassment by the Head of the Integrated B. Ed. Department, Sameer Kumar Sahoo. Classmates alleged that Sahoo repeatedly made inappropriate requests and threatened her with academic repercussions if she did not comply.

Although they are said to have filed formal complaints with the college principal and local police, no significant measures were implemented. Students remarked that even though an internal committee was established, it achieved minimal advancement.

The woman ignited herself soon after her meeting with the college principal on Saturday. Her father held the principal responsible for his daughter’s situation, while her mother called for the death penalty for those guilty.

Dillip Kumar Ghosh, the principal of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, was apprehended after a student tried to set themselves on fire. A local court placed him in 14-day judicial custody related to the case. In response to the incident, the ruling BJP encountered backlash from opposition parties, which organized protests in Bhubaneswar and Balasore, accusing the government of not ensuring women’s safety in the state.