Bhubaneswar: A deeply disturbing incident at F.M. Autonomous College in Balasore has sent shockwaves across Odisha, prompting swift and decisive action from the state government. A second-year integrated B.Ed student tragically attempted self-immolation outside the college gate today, allegedly driven by months of severe mental and moral harassment by a faculty member.
According to horrifying eyewitness accounts, the student doused herself in petrol and set herself ablaze during what was intended to be a peaceful protest. Despite immediate and courageous efforts by her peers to extinguish the flames, by the time help arrived, She had sustained critical burn injuries, covering over 90% of her body. She was rushed to Balasore District Hospital and, given her precarious condition, was subsequently referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced medical care. Her condition remains critical.
The accused lecturer has been identified as Samir Kumar Sahu, Head of the Education Department, who is alleged to have subjected the girl student to continuous harassment. Authorities have confirmed that Shri Sahu has been immediately detained at Sahadev Khunta police station for intensive interrogation regarding the grave allegations.
Responding to the horrific turn of events, the Government of Odisha’s Higher Education Department has moved swiftly to address the institutional failures highlighted by the incident.
Dillip Kumar Ghose, the Principal of F.M. (Auto) College, Balasore, has been placed under immediate suspension. The government order explicitly states that the suspension is due to his “failure to perform his duties in the capacity of Principal of the college,” suggesting a lapse in oversight and duty in preventing such a tragedy. During his suspension, Sri Ghose’s headquarters will be fixed at the office of the Collector & District Magistrate, Balasore, and he is barred from leaving without prior permission.
Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor (Stage-I) in Educational Studies at F.M. (Auto.) College, Balasore, has also been suspended with immediate effect. This suspension is based on “prima facie evidence of the matter,” indicating initial findings that suggest her involvement or negligence related to the circumstances.
Both suspension orders, issued by the Department of Higher Education, underscore the government’s serious stance on the incident and its commitment to holding college administration accountable.
Students, activists, and civil society groups have vehemently condemned the alleged harassment and the tragic outcome. They are demanding a thorough, impartial, and expedited investigation into all allegations against Samir Kumar Sahu, including claims of academic coercion, threats of failure, and unethical conduct. The incident has ignited a wider debate on student welfare, mental health support, and accountability within educational institutions across the state.
As hapless girl battles for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the focus now shifts to the ongoing police interrogation of the accused lecturer and the comprehensive investigation promised by the state authorities to ensure justice and prevent such incidents from recurring.