Student sets herself alight after college fails to act on harassment complaint

BHUBANESWAR – A 22-year-old woman from Odisha died last night after setting herself alight in protest over her college’s inaction regarding her sexual harassment complaint against a lecturer.

The victim, a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) student at a Balasore college, had filed a formal complaint with the institution’s Internal Complaints Committee.

She claimed a professor had demanded sexual favours and subjected her to months of threats.

Despite assurances of action within seven days, no steps were taken, according to sources.

The tragedy occurred on July 12 during a student protest at the college gates.

In a sudden act of desperation, the young woman ran towards the principal’s office and doused herself in flammable liquid.

With over 90 per cent burns, she was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar Hospital, where doctors performed emergency treatments, including renal replacement therapy in the Burns ICU.

However, she succumbed to her injuries at 11.46pm on July 14.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the incident, vowing the "strictest legal action" against those responsible.

“The death of this young student from FM Autonomous College is heartbreaking.

"Despite expert medical efforts and government support, we could not save her,” he said in a statement, ordering immediate investigations.

Police confirmed the arrest of the accused professor and the college principal following public outcry and evidence of a cover-up attempt.

The victim’s father, speaking to the media a day before her death, described her as "unrecognisable," with 95 per cent burns and reliant on life support.

He also alleged the Internal Committee and principal pressured the family to withdraw the complaint, threatening legal retaliation.

“They threatened us. They said if we didn’t withdraw the complaint, they would file a police report against me. They told me I could be arrested,” he said.

Meanwhile, the victim’s brother, speaking to NDTV, expressed his determination to fight for justice and said he would not rest until those responsible were held accountable.

The case has sparked nationwide outrage, with protests demanding urgent reforms to how educational institutions handle sexual harassment complaints.