The mortal remains of the 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who died after attempting self-immolation over alleged sexual harassment and administrative inaction, were brought to her native village in Balasore on Tuesday for her last rites.
The student had set herself on fire on Saturday inside the college campus, reportedly after facing prolonged sexual harassment by the Head of Department and receiving no support from college authorities despite multiple complaints. She was initially admitted to the Balasore District Hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she succumbed to her injuries on Monday night.
The tragic incident has triggered statewide outrage. Opposition parties have staged protests, demanding strict action and justice for the victim. The Odisha Police have arrested Samira Kumar Sahu, the accused HOD, and Dilip Ghose, the principal of Fakir Mohan College, in connection with the case.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow and vowed stern punishment for those responsible.
“Despite the government’s efforts and expert medical care, her life couldn’t be saved. The government is committed to delivering the strictest punishment under law to all those guilty,” CM Majhi posted on X.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also expressed grief and called the incident a “tragic loss and stark reminder” of the need for safer campuses.
“The law will take its toughest course. Those responsible will face uncompromising punishment. My heart goes out to the grieving family,” he wrote on X.
The incident has intensified calls for accountability within educational institutions and raised concerns over the systemic failure to protect students from harassment and injustice.
