Balasore/Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 15 (ANI): A 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, who attempted self-immolation after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment by a faculty member, succumbed to her injuries late on July 14 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
According to a statement from AIIMS, the student was brought to the Burns Centre ICU on July 12 after being referred from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital. Despite being treated with IV fluids, antibiotics, mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy, she was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.
Balasore Police arrested Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor at FM (Auto) College, following the incident. According to SP Raj Prasad, prima facie evidence was established against the accused after the student had lodged a complaint with the Internal Compliance Committee on June 30. Sahu was arrested and produced before the court.
The incident prompted swift administrative action. The Higher Education Department of Odisha suspended both the accused professor and the college’s principal, Dilip Kumar Ghose, for negligence. Ghose was later arrested by the Balasore Police. The government cited his failure to act on the student’s complaint as grounds for suspension under the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1962.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow and pledged strict action against those found guilty. “Despite the government’s efforts and expert medical care, the victim could not be saved. I assure the family that all the guilty will face the strictest punishment under law. The government stands firmly with the family in this hour of grief,” CM Majhi posted on X.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also offered condolences, saying, “I am deeply saddened and heartbroken. May Lord Jagannath grant the family strength and peace.”
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida met the student’s family at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and reiterated the government’s commitment to justice. “Both the accused are in jail. The facts that have come out regarding students and teachers are very sad. Strong action will be taken,” she told ANI.
The tragic death sparked protests in Bhubaneswar, with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers demonstrating outside AIIMS as the student’s mortal remains were taken for postmortem. The public outrage has intensified demands for accountability and reform in college campuses, particularly regarding how harassment complaints are handled.
The Odisha government has constituted a special committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure justice is served without delay.
402 words, 2 minutes read time.
About The Author
