Tragic Death of Odisha Student Sparks Outrage Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Incident Overview

A tragic incident unfolded in Balasore, Odisha, where an undergraduate student succumbed to her injuries after setting herself ablaze. This act followed her complaint regarding sexual harassment by a faculty member, which reportedly went unaddressed. The student was pronounced clinically dead at 11:46 PM on Monday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Bhubaneswar, despite extensive medical efforts.

Details of the Complaint

The student had ignited herself on campus shortly after a meeting with Dilip Ghosh, the principal of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, to discuss her allegations against assistant professor Samir Kumar Sahu. Following the incident, Sahu was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including abetment to suicide and sexual harassment.

Authorities' Response

In a subsequent development, Ghosh was also taken into custody on charges of abetting the student's suicide, a day after being suspended for negligence. The student had accused Sahu of demanding inappropriate favors and threatening her academic standing if she did not comply.

Investigation and Reactions

Her father claims that the principal pressured her to retract her complaint instead of pursuing disciplinary measures. Balasore's Superintendent of Police stated that a special team has been established to investigate the case, addressing concerns about the delay in action.

In light of the student's death, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed condolences and assured that those responsible would face severe legal consequences. The opposition parties have called for a judicial inquiry, emphasizing the need for accountability.

Both the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Women are now involved, and the Odisha Police's Crime Against Women and Children Wing is conducting its own investigation. The state government has mandated that all colleges establish Internal Complaint Committees within 24 hours, in compliance with the 2013 Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act.