Odisha Student Who Set Herself on Fire Over Inaction in Sexual Harassment Case Dies
A 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha’s Balasore, who set herself on fire after alleging inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a professor, died late Monday night at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The student, a B.Ed candidate, had attempted self-immolation last week, sparking outrage and protests across the state.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar confirmed her death in a statement on Tuesday, stating that despite intensive care, ventilation, and renal replacement therapy, she was declared clinically dead at 11:46 pm on July 14. The victim had been referred to AIIMS from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital on July 12 after sustaining severe burn injuries.
The incident has triggered a political storm in Odisha, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressing grief and assuring the victim’s family that strict action will be taken against all those responsible. “Despite the government’s fulfilment of all responsibilities and the tireless efforts of the expert medical team, the victim’s life could not be saved. I assure the family that all those guilty in this case will face the strictest punishment as per the law,” CM Majhi posted on X.
As the victim’s mortal remains were taken for post-mortem at AIIMS, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers staged protests, demanding justice and immediate accountability. Video footage from ANI showed protesters raising slogans as the body was moved under tight security.
The student’s attempt to end her life came after she alleged that the college principal, Dillip Ghose, failed to act on her complaint against a professor who had sexually harassed her. Following the incident, Ghose was suspended and arrested on Monday for dereliction of duty and for allegedly shielding the accused head of department, who has already been arrested.
The Odisha Higher Education Department has formed a three-member committee to investigate the handling of the student’s complaint, while a two-member Crime Branch team is probing the case amid widespread outrage across the state.
