Odisha Student Who Self-Immolated After Being Harassed Dies After 3-Days

A 22-year-old Odisha student died after setting herself on fire, alleging inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a professor. She battled for life for three days before succumbing.

On July 12, the woman attempted self-immolation on the college campus.

Source : Twitter

A 22-year-old college student from Odisha, who set herself on fire following alleged inaction over a sexual harassment complaint, succumbed to her injuries late last night. Her death has sparked outrage, protests, and renewed calls for accountability in educational institutions.

The student, pursuing a B.Ed degree at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, had accused the Head of the Education Department, Professor Samir Kumar Sahu, of sexually harassing her for several months. In a written complaint submitted to the college’s Internal Complaints Committee on July 1, she described in detail the sustained abuse and intimidation she faced. Despite her plea and an assurance that action would be taken within seven days, no steps were initiated against the accused.

Frustrated by the silence, the young woman, along with fellow students, began a protest outside the college gates on July 12. According to eyewitnesses, in the middle of the demonstration, she suddenly broke away from the crowd, ran toward the principal’s office, and set herself ablaze.

She was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with more than 90% burn injuries. Over the next three days, doctors fought to save her life, placing her on life support and initiating renal replacement therapy. But despite all efforts, the hospital declared her clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.

"Despite adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management, including renal replacement therapy at the Burns ICU, she could not be revived," read a statement from AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The student’s father, in an emotional interview, revealed the immense pressure his daughter faced. He alleged that both the principal, Dilip Ghosh, and members of the Internal Complaints Committee urged the family to withdraw the complaint. “They threatened us with an FIR. They said I would be arrested if we didn’t step back,” he said.

Police have since arrested both Professor Sahu and Principal Ghosh. An investigation is underway.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi responded to the tragedy, offering his condolences and promising swift justice. “I am deeply saddened to hear of the student’s death. Despite the government’s efforts and the medical team’s dedication, her life could not be saved,” he wrote in a heartfelt social media post. “I assure her family that those responsible will face the harshest punishment under the law. I have personally directed officials to ensure justice is served.”

The incident has ignited widespread protests and political sparring across the state. Student unions, women’s rights groups, and opposition leaders have condemned the administrative apathy and demanded urgent reforms in how sexual harassment complaints are handled on campuses.