'Shocking, Deeply Distressing: Former CM Patnaik On Odisha Student’s Self-Immolation
Odisha student critical after self-immolation over alleged sexual harassment. Naveen Patnaik urges Governor’s intervention as outrage grows over college’s inaction.
The self-immolation of a young woman student outside the principal’s office at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore has sparked outrage across Odisha, drawing powerful reactions from political leaders and citizens alike. The incident, which left the B.Ed. student with over 90 percent burn injuries, was allegedly a protest against prolonged sexual harassment by a faculty member and the institution’s failure to act.
Odisha’s Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his anguish:
“A young student resorting to self-immolation inside one of Odisha’s premier Universities is both shocking and deeply distressing. I fervently pray to Lord Jagannatha for her swift recovery from the grievous burn injuries… In our higher education framework, the Governor serves as the Chancellor of key government-run universities, including FM University. I urge the Governor of Odisha to intervene and ensure that the student receives the justice she so desperately sought…”
A young student resorting to self-immolation in one of #Odisha’s premier Universities is both shocking and deeply distressing. I fervently pray to Lord Jagannatha for her swift recovery from the grievous burn injuries.
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 13, 2025
She was allegedly subjected to relentless sexual harassment…
The emotionally charged post has intensified calls for accountability, highlighting systemic failures in handling cases of campus harassment.
The victim, a student of the Integrated B.Ed. program, is currently battling for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she is undergoing critical care. A fellow student who attempted to rescue her also sustained serious burn injuries.
According to her classmates, the victim had been mentally distressed for weeks due to alleged sexual harassment by Dr. Sameer Kumar Sahoo, Head of the Integrated B.Ed. Department. Students claim he repeatedly made inappropriate advances and threatened academic consequences when she refused to comply.
“She was pushed to the edge. She tried everything before this,” said a batchmate, visibly shaken by the incident.
Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, condemned the episode, calling it “very unfortunate.”
“We are treating this case with the utmost sensitivity. The head of the department and the principal have been suspended. The accused has been arrested. A high-level inquiry committee has been formed and dispatched from Bhubaneswar. Strict action will follow based on the findings,” he said.
#WATCH | Balasore student self-immolation case: Odisha's Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj says, "This is a very unfortunate case, and we are dealing with it in a very sensitive manner. First of all, the head of the department and the principal have been suspended and… pic.twitter.com/6aJUKIwtMh
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2025
Suraj, who visited the hospital, confirmed that the state government will bear all medical expenses, and assured that the victim would receive advanced care. “I’ve spoken to AIIMS officials to ensure she gets the best possible treatment. The Health Minister and I will also meet her parents to offer our full support,” he added.
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