Bhubaneswar: In a grave development that has sent shockwaves across Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has pledged the most stringent action against those responsible for the self-immolation attempt by a student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore. The Chief Minister’s strong statement comes amidst widespread outrage over the alleged sexual harassment faced by the student, which reportedly led to her desperate act.
The victim, currently battling for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with severe burn injuries, is receiving comprehensive medical treatment. Chief Minister Shri Majhi has personally assured that all necessary medical care, on par with the facilities available at AIIMS New Delhi, is being provided. He further stated that if required, the victim would be airlifted to AIIMS New Delhi for specialized treatment, underscoring the government’s commitment to her recovery.
Medical sources at AIIMS Bhubaneswar confirm that the 20-year-old student’s condition remains critical, with approximately 95% burn injuries. A dedicated team of doctors from various specialties, including burn and plastic surgery, critical care, nephrology, and pulmonology, is continuously monitoring her.
While AIIMS Bhubaneswar is equipped with advanced facilities to handle such complex cases, the offer of an airlift to AIIMS New Delhi highlights the gravity of the situation and the government’s resolve to ensure the best possible outcome.
The incident at FM College has led to swift action, with the accused teacher already arrested and the college principal suspended for alleged negligence. The state government has also initiated a high-level inquiry to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the case, including allegations of a delayed response to the student’s prior complaints of harassment.
Chief Minister Shri Majhi’s promise of “toughest action” against the culprits aims to send a clear message that such heinous acts and institutional apathy will not be tolerated.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about safety and accountability in educational institutions across the state, with calls for robust internal complaint mechanisms and prompt action on harassment complaints.