Bhubaneswar: Odisha has been rocked by widespread protests and political condemnation following the self-immolation attempt by an undergraduate student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. The student reportedly took this drastic step after her repeated complaints of sexual harassment against an assistant professor, identified as Samir Kumar Sahu, went unaddressed by college authorities and even police.
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2025, after the student, who had allegedly been facing persistent demands for sexual favors and threats to her academic future from Sahu, met with the college principal. Despite her complaints, including an earlier attempt to seek justice through an internal committee and the police, no substantial action was taken. She sustained over 90% burn injuries and is currently in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Another male student who attempted to save her also suffered serious burns.
The tragic event has ignited a political firestorm in Odisha. Both the opposition parties-Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress party have taken to the streets, demanding justice for the victim and accountability from those responsible.Student wings of both BJD and Congress staged demonstrations in Capital City.
The BJD has held press conferences, squarely blaming college authorities, the police, and even Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi, alleging that they were aware of the harassment but failed to act. The party highlighted that the student had lodged a written complaint on July 1, but the principal reportedly did not take it seriously, forcing her to approach the police and even the MP.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders have met with the victim’s family, accusing the government of ignoring her pleas. Leaders from both parties attempted to march to the residences of the Chief Minister and the Higher Education Minister, leading to scuffles with the police.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Odisha Higher Education Department has taken swift disciplinary action. Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu has been arrested, and the college principal, Dilip Ghosh, has been suspended for failing to handle the matter appropriately.
The state government has also constituted a high-level inquiry committee, led by the Director of the department, to investigate all aspects of the incident, including the alleged negligence by college authorities.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken suo motu cognizance of the disturbing report, directing the Odisha DGP to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation and provide all necessary support to the victim