A student of Fakir Mohan College in Balasore, Odisha, set herself on fire after being harassed. She was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition, where she passed away late Monday night. This tragic incident has sparked outrage in the state.
Odisha Bandh 2025: The self-immolation of a student of Fakir Mohan College in Balasore district, Odisha, in protest against sexual harassment has now completely ignited the state's politics. The matter is escalating following the death of the student during treatment. In light of this, eight opposition parties in the state, led by the Congress, have called for an Odisha bandh (statewide shutdown) on July 17. The opposition parties assert that the government has completely failed in protecting women and that strict action should be taken against the perpetrators.
What is the whole matter?
A student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore alleged that she was being sexually harassed by a professor at the college, but despite multiple complaints, the college administration took no action. Distressed by this indifferent attitude, the student set herself on fire within the college premises.
The student was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition, with 95% burns. After fighting for her life for three days, she passed away on Monday night.
Congress and Opposition Parties' Attack
Odisha Pradesh Congress President Bhakt Charan Das said in a press conference that this heart-wrenching incident has made it clear that women are not safe in Odisha. He said that when the student came with petrol, everyone watched as spectators, and no one tried to stop or help her. Bhakt Charan Das also said that the state government is not taking strict action against the perpetrators, so, to get justice for the student, 8 opposition parties, including the Left parties, have called for an Odisha bandh on July 17.
Governor and CM's Reaction
The Governor of Odisha, Haribabu Kambampati, expressed his grief over the student's death, saying, "This is not just a tragic incident but also raises serious questions about the level of security in our educational institutions." He wrote in his X (formerly Twitter) post, "This incident highlights the urgent need for security and sensitivity in our campuses."
State Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh for the victim's family. Furthermore, the government has arrested the college principal and the head of the education department. Detailed investigation of the matter has been ordered.
