Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Balasore, Jul 13: In a deeply distressing incident that has sent shockwaves across Odisha, a young student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore allegedly attempted to end her life by self-immolation outside the college gate, citing prolonged harassment by the Head of the B.Ed Department and inaction by the college administration.

The second-year integrated B.Ed student doused herself in petrol and set herself ablaze in front of the main entrance of the college on Saturday. She sustained severe burns and was initially rushed to Balasore Medical College. Due to the critical nature of her injuries, she was later referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for specialised treatment.

In response to the incident, the Odisha Higher Education Department suspended both the college principal, Dillip Kumar Ghosh, and the accused HoD, Samir Kumar Sahu. Following preliminary investigation, the Sahadevkhunta Police arrested Sahu based on prima facie evidence. Authorities have directed that during his suspension, Principal Ghosh will remain stationed at the office of the District Collector and must not leave without prior permission.

Prior to her extreme act, the student had been staging a peaceful protest near the campus, demanding action against Sahu, whom she had previously accused of inappropriate behaviour. According to reports, her formal complaint had been ignored by the college administration, pushing her into despair.

The incident has stirred widespread anger among students and the local community. Demonstrators are now demanding an impartial probe and swift justice.

Subhra Sambit Nayak, state joint secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), condemned the college’s inaction, stating, "She had been enduring harassment for six months. Numerous students had raised complaints against this professor over the past two years, but the administration failed to act."

Balasore Superintendent of Police, Raj Prasad, confirmed the arrest of Samir Sahu and noted that the investigation would also cover the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). “We are examining whether the ICC followed appropriate protocol after receiving complaints, including one submitted on June 30. The chain of communication between the ICC, the principal, and higher authorities is under scrutiny,” he said.

Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, expressing grave concern, revealed that the student had personally met him just days before the incident. “She was visibly distressed and had confided that she was contemplating suicide. I immediately contacted the principal and was informed that the ICC was handling it. I was assured of a resolution—but tragically, no real action was taken,” he said.

Sarangi confirmed that an official committee has now been formed to probe the matter and has been instructed to submit its findings within five working days.

This harrowing incident has reignited urgent conversations about the need for safer academic environments, prompt redressal of complaints, and accountability within educational institutions.