Thousands bid farewell to Odisha student who set herself on fire
Balasore, Odisha — July 15, 2025
Grief filled the air in a Balasore village as thousands gathered to bid farewell to a 20-year-old B.Ed student. She died after setting herself on fire on July 12, 2025, in protest against ignored sexual harassment complaints. Her death has sparked widespread anger across Odisha and India.
The student had accused a professor at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College of harassment. She tried reporting the abuse several times but said authorities ignored her pleas. Two days after the incident, she died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar from severe burns.
A Village Mourns Its Daughter
On July 15, her body arrived at her native village. A massive crowd—students, villagers, and activists—joined the funeral procession. Her coffin, draped in the national flag, was carried on foot for several kilometers. People chanted, “Long live our brave daughter.”
Her father, overcome with emotion, promised to fight for justice. “She spoke for every girl who suffers in silence,” he said.
Ignored Complaints and Institutional Failure
Before her death, the student posted several messages on social media. She recorded a heartbreaking video explaining how college officials ignored her harassment complaints. She said the professor targeted her repeatedly. After complaining, she was denied attendance, marks, and dignity in class.
She reached out to the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), but no action followed. Her final act of protest highlighted the systemic neglect that pushed her to the brink.
Officials and Politicians Respond
The incident caused public outrage. The police arrested the professor and the college principal. The University Grants Commission (UGC) set up a four-member team to investigate the case.
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, announced ₹20 lakh in compensation. He assured the family that justice would be served. President Droupadi Murmu visited the student in the hospital hours before she died.
Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Naveen Patnaik condemned the tragedy. Gandhi called it “a murder by the system.” Opposition parties blamed the government for failing to protect young women.
Protests and Public Demand for Reform
Protests have broken out across Odisha. Student groups and women’s rights activists marched in major towns. They demanded fast-track courts, stronger ICC oversight, and protection for complainants.
The Odisha Pradesh Congress called for a statewide bandh on July 17. Protesters said this incident was not isolated. “She is not the first girl ignored by college authorities. But we must ensure she is the last,” said a student leader in Bhubaneswar.
A National Wake-Up Call
This case has raised important questions about safety in Indian colleges. Many institutions fail to enforce the PoSH Act properly. ICCs often lack independence, and victims fear retaliation if they speak up.
Experts are urging reforms. These include third-party audits of ICCs, mandatory training for faculty, and stronger support systems for survivors. Without these changes, students may continue to suffer in silence.
Her Voice Lives On
Across India, students are holding candlelight vigils in her memory. Online petitions demanding justice have gained lakhs of signatures. Many people want the government to name a scholarship or helpline in her honour.
She had big dreams—to teach, support her family, and help other girls rise. Though her life ended in pain, her voice continues to inspire action.
