Tragic Incident in Odisha: College Student Attempts Self-Immolation Amid Allegations of Sexual Harassment

Disturbing Incident in Balasore

A shocking incident in Balasore district of Odisha has sent shockwaves through the state, as a college student attempted self-immolation due to ongoing sexual harassment. The student accused her department head of repeatedly demanding sexual favors and threatening to ruin her future if she refused. Following this tragic event, the administration has taken swift action, suspending the college principal and arresting the accused department head.

Student's Condition Critical

Reports indicate that the second-year integrated B.Ed. student from FM Autonomous College in Balasore set herself on fire after enduring harassment from her department head and assistant professor, Sameer Kumar Sahu. She has suffered burns over more than 90% of her body and remains in a critical condition. A fellow student who tried to save her has also sustained severe burns, with 70% of his body affected. Both are currently receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Chief Minister Visits Victim

In light of the severity of the situation, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to meet with the victim and her parents. During a media interaction, Chief Minister Majhi stated, 'The patient is in a very critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The medical team is providing treatment... We cannot predict anything for the next 24 hours... We have spoken with the family... We pray for her swift recovery.'

Political Outrage

This incident has sparked intense reactions from various political parties. Leaders from the BJD protested outside the Chief Minister's residence in Bhubaneswar against the incident in Balasore.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, has launched a strong attack on the BJP government. TMC posted on their official 'X' handle, 'Another day, another victim - the same rot under BJP rule. In Balasore, a student was forced to self-immolate after being harassed by her department head. She is 95% burned. A fellow student who tried to save her is 70% burned.' They further criticized Chief Minister Majhi's silence as shameful, asserting that the lack of condemnation from Prime Minister Modi only confirms what is already known: 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' is merely a facade.'

Principal Accused of Negligence

The college principal stated that the student had approached him with a complaint a few days prior. He mentioned, 'On Saturday morning around 11 AM, she came to me again, looking very distressed. I called in a teacher and spoke to both parties. Shortly after leaving my office, we heard screams.' However, the principal's claim that 'the internal complaints committee found no solid evidence of sexual harassment' is under scrutiny.

The higher education department's suspension order for the principal clearly indicated that he failed to fulfill his duties as the college principal and did not handle the case appropriately. He has also been barred from leaving Balasore without the district collector's permission.

Accused Professor Arrested

DIG (Eastern Range) Satyajit Naik confirmed that the accused faculty member has been arrested. A case has been registered against him for attempted suicide and sexual harassment. The suspension order for the accused teacher states that it is based on 'prima facie evidence.'

A forensic team has visited the scene, and a detailed investigation is ongoing. Naik also mentioned that strict law and order measures are being enforced on the college campus.