Odisha Student Self-Immolation: Balasore College Principal Arrested; Guv Seeks Report As Oppn Slams ‘Apathy’
Following a student's self-immolation after alleged sexual harassment and denial of justice, Fakir Mohan College Principal Dillip Kumar Ghose was arrested after suspension.
Odisha police confirmed on Monday that Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, Balasore principal Dillip Kumar Ghose has been arrested after being suspended by the Higher Education Department. Earlier, the department had also suspended Head of Department Samira Kumar Sahu, who was arrested on Saturday on charges of sexually harassing a student.
"In the FM College self-immolation case in Balasore, Odisha, Principal Dillip Kumar Ghose has been arrested following his suspension. Further updates awaited," Odisha Police stated, as per news agency IANS.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati asked the state’s Higher Education Department for “a detailed report” into the circumstances that pushed a 20-year-old woman to set herself on fire on the campus of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, Balasore. His intervention followed a request from Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, who had urged Raj Bhavan to look into the case.
Kambhampati wrote on X: “Spoke to Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj (@suryabanshibjp) regarding the unfortunate incident involving the girl student of FM (Autonomous) College, Balasore, who is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. I sought details about the circumstances that led to the incident and the steps being taken to address the situation.”
The second-year integrated BEd student suffered critical burns after allegedly being denied justice over her harassment complaint. She is now being treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where, according to the Governor, “a team of specialists from AIIMS Delhi is assisting in her treatment.”
“I also spoke to the Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar to get an update on the student’s health. A team of specialists from AIIMS Delhi is assisting in her treatment,” Kambhampati added on X.
Spoke to Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj (@suryabanshibjp) regarding the unfortunate incident involving the girl student of FM (Autonomous) College, Balasore, who is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. I sought details about the circumstances…
— Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati (@DrHariBabuK) July 14, 2025
He further posted: “I pray to Lord Jagannath for her swift recovery and inner strength, and sincerely hope she regains her health soon. The safety, mental well-being, and dignity of students must be protected at all times. I have urged the authorities to act with urgency, empathy, and responsibility to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Odisha Minister Assures Governor: 'Necessary Measures Initiated For Support, Accountability'
The Governor’s demand for accountability has intensified pressure on the Higher Education Department and college authorities. Minister Suryabanshi Suraj assured Raj Bhavan that “necessary measures have been initiated to provide support and ensure accountability”, news agency PTI reported.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized on the issue, with Naveen Patnaik calling the episode a “grim reminder” of institutional apathy. Further administrative action is expected once the state government submits its report to the Governor.
Investigators are examining whether college officials ignored earlier complaints against Sahu and failed to create a safe environment for students. The police have promised swift action “based on evidence and witness testimony.”
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