Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida met the grieving family of the 20-year-old Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student who died after setting herself on fire following alleged sexual harassment and administrative negligence.
Parida, who arrived at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday night, expressed deep sorrow over the student’s death and assured that the government would take the “strictest action” against all those responsible. “The government is serious about this case. Both the accused are in jail. The facts that have emerged about student-teacher dynamics are extremely distressing, and strong action will be taken,” she told ANI.
The student was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 12, after being referred from the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital. Despite receiving intensive treatment — including IV resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and renal support — she was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed deep grief, stating that all individuals found guilty would face the full force of the law. “Despite the tireless efforts of the medical team, the victim could not be saved. I pray for her eternal peace and strength for her family,” CM Majhi posted on X. He added that he had personally instructed authorities to ensure justice.
The student had reportedly suffered prolonged sexual harassment from her department head and had filed formal complaints, which went unaddressed. Her act of self-immolation on campus has triggered statewide outrage and protests, with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staging a demonstration as her body was taken for postmortem.
Amid mounting pressure, the Odisha Police have arrested Dilip Ghose, the suspended principal of Fakir Mohan College, in connection with the case. “FM College suspended principal Dilip Ghose has been arrested,” Balasore Police confirmed on Monday.
The tragic incident has intensified calls for accountability and reforms in handling harassment complaints in educational institutions across the state.
