Odisha: In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across Odisha, a woman student of Fakir Mohan College in Balasore set herself on fire on campus, allegedly after being harassed for months by her head of department (HoD). The student had earlier filed a complaint with the internal complaints committee, accusing the faculty member of demanding sexual favours and threatening her future.
The 22-year-old woman, a student enrolled in the integrated B.Ed programme, is battling for her life with 95% burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. A fellow student who attempted to rescue her also suffered 70% burns and remains in critical condition.
Allegations and inaction
On July 1, the woman had formally lodged a complaint against Samir Kumar Sahu, the head of her department, stating that he had been consistently demanding “favours” and threatening to ruin her career prospects if she did not comply.
College sources indicate that the student was assured by the internal complaints committee that action would be taken within a week, but no concrete measures were implemented.
On Saturday, the student and several of her classmates staged a protest outside the main gate of the college. Eyewitnesses said the situation turned horrifying when she suddenly poured petrol on herself near the principal’s office and set herself ablaze.
A video that has gone viral shows the woman engulfed in flames, running into a corridor. A man rushes to help but steps back after his shirt catches fire. Moments later, others are seen trying to douse the flames.
Arrest and official action
Following public outcry, Samir Kumar Sahu was arrested, and both he and college principal Dilip Ghosh have been suspended by the Higher Education Department of Odisha.
State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, “This is a deeply disturbing incident. Strict action will be taken against everyone involved. No student should feel unsafe in an academic institution.”
College principal under scrutiny
In a statement, Principal Dilip Ghosh said the student had met him just before the incident, expressing that she was under severe mental distress. “She asked me to summon Sahu, which I did. I warned both about the consequences of making false statements. The teacher denied the charges, but the student remained firm in her accusations,” Ghosh said.
The internal committee was reportedly still compiling its report at the time of the incident.
Intensified protests and investigation
Following the self-immolation, student protests intensified, with demonstrators demanding the immediate arrest of all responsible and sweeping reforms in the handling of harassment complaints in educational institutions.
Balasore Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad confirmed the arrest of the accused and said multiple teams are collecting evidence, adding, “Whoever is found guilty will face strict action.”