Odisha B.Ed Student Dies After Self-Immolation Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

A wave of grief and outrage swept through Odisha after a 20-year-old girl student from FM Autonomous College, Balasore, who had set herself on fire earlier this month alleging sexual harassment by a faculty member, succumbed to her injuries late Monday night.

The second-year B.Ed student had sustained 90% burn injuries during a self-immolation attempt on July 12 outside the college gates, where a peaceful protest had been ongoing since July 1. The protest demanded action against the college’s Head of the Education Department, whom she had accused of persistent sexual harassment and academic manipulation.

Following the incident, the student was rushed to Balasore Hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to the severity of her injuries. Despite continuous efforts by a team of doctors and consultations with AIIMS Delhi, the victim passed away around 11:45 PM on July 14.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote,

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of the female student from FM Autonomous College. Despite the government's fulfillment of all responsibilities and the tireless efforts of the expert medical team, the victim's life could not be saved.”
He added,
“I pray for the eternal peace of her soul and strength for the grieving family. I assure them that the culprits will face the strictest punishment under the law. I have personally instructed the authorities to act promptly. The government stands firmly with the bereaved family.”

The tragic incident, captured on CCTV, not only shocked the state but also triggered massive public outrage. A male student who attempted to rescue her also suffered burn injuries and is currently under treatment.

Following the incident, the accused assistant professor was arrested and suspended from service after preliminary evidence supported the allegations. The college principal was also suspended for failing to take appropriate action and was later arrested.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar and met with the student’s family.
Speaking to reporters, she said,

“She died around 11:45 PM. The doctors had been trying their best to save her for the last three days. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are dealt with strictly and swiftly.”

Meanwhile, protests erupted outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar as the victim’s mortal remains were taken for postmortem. Agitators, including members of the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), demanded immediate justice and accountability from the authorities.

The Odisha Higher Education Department, in its suspension order against the principal, cited gross negligence in handling the student’s complaints. The department confirmed that the assistant professor had been placed under suspension based on “prima facie evidence.”

This heartbreaking episode has reignited discussions around campus safety, gender sensitivity, and institutional accountability in the state’s higher education system. As investigations continue, the focus now shifts to ensuring justice for the victim and preventing such tragedies in the future.

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