Odisha college student who set herself on fire succumbs to injuries

By | July 15, 2025
Odisha student self-immolation protest at college

Balasore, Odisha — A shocking incident has gripped the nation. A 20-year-old B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore died after setting herself on fire. Her protest was aimed at exposing alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member. Her death has triggered grief, anger, and calls for justice across India.

The Incident: A Protest Born Out of Desperation

On July 12, 2025, the student stood outside the principal’s office and set herself on fire using kerosene. Bystanders rushed to help, and she was quickly taken to Balasore District Hospital. Doctors later shifted her to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to the severity of her burns. She suffered over 90% burns and was put on life support.

Despite the best medical care, the young woman died on July 14 at 11:46 p.m.

The Allegations: Harassment Ignored

The student had earlier submitted written complaints against Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu. She accused him of ongoing sexual harassment. According to her family and local sources, college authorities did not act on her reports. Instead of investigating the matter, they allegedly protected the accused.

Her decision to take such a drastic step reflects a deep sense of helplessness. She reportedly felt no one was listening, not even those in positions of authority.

Legal Action: Arrests and Investigation

After public outrage, police arrested both the accused professor and the college principal, Dilip Kumar Ghose. Authorities charged them under laws related to sexual harassment and abetment of suicide.

The state government ordered a judicial inquiry to uncover what went wrong. Officials from the Higher Education Department are also reviewing the college’s internal complaint systems.

Public Reaction: Nationwide Anger and Grief

The incident shocked people across the country. Thousands shared posts on social media demanding justice. Vigils were held in cities including Bhubaneswar, Delhi, and Kolkata.

Political leaders also responded. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik promised that “strict action will be taken against the guilty.” Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the victim’s family and offered his condolences. He called for strong legal measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi labeled the tragedy “an organized failure of the system.”

Protests and Bandh Called

Student groups, political parties, and women’s rights organizations launched statewide protests. The Odisha Congress announced a bandh on July 17, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. Protesters also called for better safety measures for female students on campus.

In Balasore, people gathered outside the college and shouted slogans against the administration. They burned effigies of the accused professor and the principal.

Flaws in the System: A Wake-Up Call

This tragedy has exposed serious flaws in how colleges handle harassment complaints. The college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which should have acted on her reports, failed to provide support. Other students revealed that harassment by faculty was common but rarely addressed.

Experts say many victims do not file complaints out of fear. They worry about academic retaliation, character attacks, and being blamed. This case highlights the urgent need to create a safe and respectful environment for students.

President and National Bodies Step In

President Droupadi Murmu, who is originally from Odisha, visited the hospital before the student’s death. Her visit sent a strong message that the matter was being taken seriously at the highest level.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) also launched its own inquiry. They demanded updates from local authorities and said they would monitor the case closely.

What Needs to Change?

This incident should not be forgotten. It is a sign that urgent action is needed to protect students and prevent future tragedies. Experts and rights groups have made several recommendations:

  • Make ICCs active and responsive in all colleges.
  • Provide regular gender sensitization training for staff and faculty.
  • Offer mental health and legal support for students who report abuse.
  • Ensure whistleblower protection to prevent intimidation or retaliation.
  • Build clear and quick grievance redressal systems.

Above all, educational institutions must create a culture where students feel safe, respected, and heard.

Conclusion

This young woman’s death was not just a personal loss. It is a national tragedy. Her story must serve as a call for change—not just in one college but across India’s education system.

She had dreams of becoming a teacher, of helping others learn and grow. Instead, she was failed by the very system meant to protect her. If we truly want justice, we must make sure her voice leads to lasting change.