A 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who had attempted self-immolation after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment, succumbed to her injuries late on Sunday night at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, sparking widespread outrage and demands for justice.
The victim was admitted to the AIIMS Burns Centre ICU on July 12 after being referred from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital. Despite intensive treatment — including IV resuscitation, antibiotics, mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy — she was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.
In response to the tragic death, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief and pledged strict legal action against those responsible. “Despite the government’s fulfilment of all responsibilities and tireless efforts by the medical team, the victim’s life could not be saved. I assure her family that all guilty parties will face the strictest punishment. I have already issued instructions to the authorities,” CM Majhi posted on X.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also extended condolences, stating he was “deeply saddened and heartbroken” by the student’s demise and prayed for strength for her grieving family.
The student had reportedly lodged multiple complaints against the college’s Head of Department, accusing him of sexual harassment. Despite her appeals for intervention, no effective action was taken, leading her to take the extreme step on the college premises.
Following public outrage, Odisha Police arrested the suspended principal of Fakir Mohan College, Dilip Ghose, on Monday in connection with the case.
Protests broke out outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar as her mortal remains were taken for postmortem. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers and students joined the demonstrations, demanding justice and accountability from the college administration.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the state, with activists, political leaders, and citizens calling for a thorough investigation and strong measures to ensure student safety on campuses.
