Odisha student dies after self-immolation over inaction on sexual harassment complaint

A 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, who had set herself on fire on Saturday, has succumbed to the injuries. She passed away on Monday night (July 14). The victim had immolated herself protesting the lack of action on her sexual harassment complaint. The student had accused the head of department, Professor Samir Kumar Sahu, of seeking sexual favours and threatening her with poor marks if she refused.

The young woman had approached the college’s Internal Complaints Committee and other authorities, but her pleas were allegedly ignored. On July 12, during a student protest at the college, she doused herself in petrol near the principal’s office and set herself alight. She was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with over 90% burns and succumbed to her injuries on the night of July 14.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow and assured the family that the culprits would face the harshest punishment. He said he had issued direct instructions for strict legal action. The principal, Dilip Ghosh, and Professor Sahu have both been arrested. The National Commission for Women has also intervened, demanding an urgent report on the matter.

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According to the student’s family, she had been mentally and sexually harassed for months. Despite a formal complaint, the college formed an Internal Committee only after students locked the gates in protest. When the inquiry report, submitted on 10 July, cleared the accused, the student reportedly lost hope. Her father alleged that she was pressured to withdraw the complaint and warned of rustication if she did not comply.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha, with student groups and opposition parties holding protests. The state government has now directed all educational institutions to set up complaint committees under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, her family, friends and outraged citizens are demanding justice, accountability, and lasting reforms to ensure student safety and dignity on campus.