Odisha College Student Dies After Self-Immolation Over Harassment Complaint
A 20-year-old college student in Balasore, Odisha, has died after setting herself on fire over alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a professor. The student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College sustained 95% burns and succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The incident has sparked outrage, leading to the arrest of the accused professor and the college principal. The state government has announced ₹20 lakh in aid for the victim's family and promised a thorough investigation.
Unpacked:
The student filed a complaint with the college's internal complaints committee on July 1, accusing the professor of harassment. She and other students also protested outside the college gate on July 12. Her act of self-immolation occurred after these attempts to seek redress failed to produce action from the administration.
The principal was arrested for allegedly failing to act on the student's complaint and not performing his duty to ensure her safety. The professor was arrested after being accused of prolonged sexual harassment and making inappropriate demands, which had led to the student's distress and eventual suicide.
The Odisha state government announced ₹20 lakh in financial aid for the victim's family and has promised a thorough investigation. Additionally, the Higher Education Department formed a probe committee, and both the accused professor and the college principal were suspended and arrested.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests from students and the public over the college administration's alleged inaction. Politicians have criticized the government for failing to ensure women's safety, and the governor sought a report on the case, reflecting broader concerns about handling harassment complaints in educational institutions.