Odisha girl student attempts self-immolation over harassment by HoD, principal suspended

In a shocking incident, a female student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore district of Odisha on Saturday attempted self-immolation, alleging harassment by the Head of the Department (HoD). 

A second-year integrated BEd student set herself ablaze after pouring petrol on herself in front of the college gate. The student with severe burn wounds was rushed to Balasore Medical College, but was later shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, for advanced treatment. 

The principal of the FM College, Dillip Kumar Ghosh and accused HoD Samir Kumar Sahu have immediately been placed under suspension by the Odisha Higher Education Department. 

The Sahadevkhunta Police also swung into action and arrested HoD Sahu. The decision was taken on the basis of prima facie evidence relating to the incident.

The order further directed that during the period of suspension, Ghosh shall remain at the office of the Collector and District Magistrate, Balasore. They have been directed not to leave the station without prior permission from the district administration. 

Before the self-immolation bid, the student had staged a sit-in protest near the college campus demanding action against the accused HoD of the BEd department for the alleged misbehaviour. 

She was very upset as no action was taken against the HoD by the college authorities despite her lodging a formal complaint against the accused Sahu. 

The incident has triggered outrage among the students and locals. They have demanded a fair probe and action against the accused professor Sahu. 

“This incident did not take place all of a sudden. The girl had been facing harassment for the past six months. In the last two years, many students have complained about the same professor. Despite repeated complaints, the college principal and administration did not take any action,” alleged Subhra Sambit Nayak, ABVP state joint secretary. 

Balasore Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said the accused, Sameer Sahu, has been arrested and forwarded to court. 

“We have corroborated crucial evidence. We are also investigating the role of the college's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which received a formal complaint from the victim and other students on June 30. The police are investigating whether the ICC followed due process, what findings it presented to the principal and the response of the college administration and higher authorities over the complaint,” said Balasore SP. 

Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi also expressed anguish over the alleged negligence and mismanagement regarding the harassment complaint of the student and demanded strict action against the culprits. 

“I spoke to the police and was assured that a complaint committee has been set up to investigate the matter. The committee has been asked to submit its report within five working days,” said Sarangi. 

He said the victim had met him five days before the incident and narrated her ordeal. “She and her friend came to meet me. I immediately called the principal of the college and the concerned authorities. I was told that the internal committee is working on the matter and a solution will be found soon, but nothing happened,” added Sarangi. 

He further added that the student had told him that she was contemplating suicide. 

“I strongly advised him not to take such a step. I told him that justice will be done and the guilty will be punished. I encouraged her to keep her courage,” said Sarangi.

CM Mohan Majhi visits AIIMS, assures stringent action

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to assess the health condition of the female student.

The CM met the team of doctors treating the critically injured student and also spoke to her family members.

While speaking to media persons, he asserted that stringent action will be taken against culprits on the basis of the inquiry report submitted by the high-level investigation team formed by the Higher Education Department over the issue.

“The incident that occurred is deeply painful. The girl is currently in a very critical condition. A dedicated medical team has been formed, and all possible treatment is being provided. We are committed to saving her life,” CM Majhi told reporters after the visit.

He informed that AIIMS Bhubaneswar has also coordinated with senior doctors from AIIMS Delhi through virtual consultation.

“I have talked to the team and instructed them to have a detailed discussion with the specialists from AIIMS, Delhi, on virtual mode and to explore advanced treatment options. If needed, she will be shifted to AIIMS Delhi or any other premier medical facility immediately. The next 24 hours are crucial,” the CM said.

The Chief Minister assured the victim's family that the state government is standing firmly with them. He confirmed that a thorough investigation has already begun into the incident that took place at FM Autonomous College.

“We have initiated an inquiry based on the initial reports. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty. We will ensure that such an incident does not happen again -- not just in this college but anywhere in Odisha,” he said.

CM Majhi also directed the medical team to provide frequent health updates and emphasised that the government will bear all expenses for the girl’s treatment.

(Compiled from syndicated feed)