Student's Self-Immolation Death in Odisha Sparks UGC Probe and Political Storm
The death of a 20-year-old student in Balasore, Odisha, who set herself on fire over alleged sexual harassment by a professor, has prompted a national response. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formed a four-member fact-finding panel to investigate the incident and any institutional failures. The tragedy has also ignited a political firestorm, with opposition parties calling for a statewide bandh and demanding resignations, accusing the state government and college administration of apathy and inaction.
Unpacked:
The student and her family made repeated complaints to the college principal, faculty members, the Higher Education department, and local officials. She also tweeted about her ordeal to various authorities, including the Chief Minister and national commissions, but her appeals went unnoticed. Her father urged her to return home for safety, but she stayed, hoping for justice.
The college's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) investigated and recommended the accused professor's immediate transfer to protect students. However, the principal allegedly ignored these recommendations and did not take action against the professor, even considering his reinstatement, which contributed to the tragedy.
Opposition parties have called for a statewide bandh, demanded resignations, and accused the state government and college administration of apathy. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organized a protest rally, demanding Rs 1 crore compensation for the victim's family and a judicial inquiry. The case has sparked national outrage and calls for accountability.
The UGC’s four-member fact-finding panel aims to independently investigate the incident, focusing on institutional failures, the handling of the student’s complaints, and whether proper processes were followed. The panel’s findings could lead to disciplinary actions, policy changes, and greater scrutiny of harassment redressal mechanisms in Indian colleges.