A 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, allegedly subjected to repeated sexual harassment and threats by her head of department, allegedly set herself on fire on July 1 after her complaints went unaddressed.
She suffered 95% burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. A fellow student who tried to save her also sustained 70% burns. The accused head of department, Samir Kumar Sahu, has been arrested, and both he and the college principal, Dillip Kumar Ghosh, have been suspended by the Odisha Higher Education Department.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance and demanded a report within three days. Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has assured strict action.
Alleged Harassment and Tragic Protest
The woman, a second-year Integrated BEd student, had allegedly faced six months of sexual and mental harassment by assistant professor Samir Kumar Sahu. Despite filing multiple complaints with the college principal, Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), higher education authorities, local MPs, and even reaching out to the Chief Minister and Union Education Minister, her pleas were reportedly ignored.
The college did not have a functional ICC before her complaint, and the committee formed after was reportedly ineffective. The woman had warned of suicide if no action was taken. On July 1, she allegedly poured petrol on herself outside the principal’s chamber and set herself ablaze. Her father and supporters demand justice and accountability for the institutional failures that preceded this tragedy.
Institutional Response and Investigations Underway
Following the incident, the Odisha Higher Education Department suspended the accused HoD and the college principal and ordered a high-level inquiry. The Sahadevkhunta Police arrested Samir Kumar Sahu. AIIMS Bhubaneswar has constituted an expert medical panel to oversee victim’s treatment, which is being provided free of cost.
The NCW has directed the Odisha DGP to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation and provide necessary medical and psychological support. A three-member committee from the Higher Education Department has begun probing the allegations. Political leaders and activists have condemned the incident, demanding accountability and systemic reforms.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This deeply distressing incident highlights the urgent need for robust, transparent mechanisms to prevent sexual harassment and protect students’ dignity and safety in educational institutions.
The Logical Indian calls for systemic reforms to ensure that complaints are taken seriously, victims are supported, and perpetrators are held accountable without delay. Educational spaces must foster empathy, respect, and trust, where students feel safe to speak up without fear.
