A 20-year-old second-year Integrated B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, tragically died on July 14 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after attempting self-immolation to protest alleged prolonged sexual harassment by a college professor.
Despite receiving intensive medical care—including mechanical ventilation, intravenous support, antibiotics, and renal therapy—she succumbed to her severe burn injuries after three days of treatment. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over her death and vowed strict action against those responsible.
Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and launched a thorough investigation, while the college administration has extended condolences and pledged full cooperation with the inquiry.
Tragic Protest Against Alleged Sexual Harassment
The young student reportedly endured persistent sexual harassment by a professor at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. After her repeated complaints allegedly went unaddressed, she resorted to self-immolation inside the college campus as a desperate plea for justice. Initially admitted to Balasore district hospital with critical burn injuries, she was later transferred to the specialised Burn Centre at AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.
Medical officials confirmed that despite all possible supportive management—including mechanical ventilation, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and renal replacement therapy—her condition deteriorated, and she was declared clinically dead late on July 14.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Local authorities and community leaders have urged calm and assured the public that justice will be served.
Background and Urgent Calls for Campus Safety
This heartbreaking incident has reignited widespread concerns about the prevalence of sexual harassment in educational institutions and the effectiveness of existing complaint redressal mechanisms, especially in Odisha. The victim’s family and activists have alleged that her repeated pleas for help were ignored or inadequately addressed, highlighting systemic failures that left her with no recourse but to take such a tragic step.
Student groups, women’s rights organisations, and civil society have called for urgent reforms, including stronger preventive measures, transparent and accessible reporting systems, and comprehensive counselling and support services for victims.
The college administration has expressed profound sorrow over the loss and committed to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. They have also pledged to review and strengthen institutional policies to ensure a safer and more supportive environment for all students.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The tragic loss of a young life under such distressing circumstances is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted challenges sexual harassment continues to pose in our society. At The Logical Indian, we believe that fostering safe, empathetic, and accountable spaces within educational institutions is essential to prevent such tragedies.
It is imperative that colleges and universities prioritise the dignity, security, and mental well-being of their students through robust policies, transparent complaint mechanisms, and compassionate support systems.
