A student in Balasore, Odisha, self-immolated after accusing the HOD of sexual harassment. Following her death, Balasore observed a shutdown, and violent protests erupted outside the Assembly. Police used tear gas and water cannons on the protesters.
Odisha News: Following the self-immolation of a student in Balasore, Odisha, due to alleged sexual harassment, outrage has spread across the state. People have taken to the streets to protest against the negligence of the college administration. Police used tear gas and water cannons on protesters outside the Assembly. The protesters are demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister and the Education Minister.
Questions Arise From Student's Death, Anger Spreads Across the State
The death of a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore district, Odisha, has shaken the entire state. The student had made serious allegations of sexual harassment against the college's HOD (Head of Department). It is alleged that despite complaints, the college administration took no concrete action. Discouraged by this, the student set herself on fire within the college premises. She was 90 percent burned and died during treatment.
Passed Away at AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Following the incident, the student was first taken to the Balasore District Hospital. After her condition worsened, she was referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 12, where she died on Tuesday. After the student's death, outrage spread throughout the state and the political atmosphere also heated up.
Balasore Shutdown and Protest Outside the Assembly
A Balasore shutdown was called on Thursday, led by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), over the student's death. From six in the morning to two in the afternoon, protesters burned tires on the roads and raised slogans against the government. The protesters also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
Violent protests also took place outside the Assembly in the capital, Bhubaneswar. Protesters were trying to break the barricades. In response, the police fired tear gas shells and used water cannons.
Video Shows Violent Protest
Several videos related to the incident have surfaced, in which protesters are seen moving towards the Assembly. The police are trying to stop them, and during this, a heated clash took place between both sides. This situation is raising serious concerns about law and order in the state.
What is the Whole Matter?
The student had repeatedly accused her HOD of sexual harassment. She complained to the college administration and the principal several times, but her voice was not heard. Ultimately, distressed, the student took the extreme step of self-immolation. This incident has raised questions about the safety and grievance redressal system in higher education institutions.
