Odisha horror: Student sets self ablaze after HoD’s sexual harassment; says he threatened to lower marks if she didn’t give in; in critical condition | Bhubaneswar News
BALASORE: A 20-year-old student of a govt college in Balasore district sustained critical burn injuries after she allegedly set herself on fire outside the college premises on Saturday over alleged sexual harassment by a teacher.A male student, who tried to save her, also sustained burn injuries. Police have arrested the teacher while the govt has suspended the college principal as well as the accused. The condition of the girl, who has been shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 90% burns, is said to be critical.Also Read | Odisha bureaucrat assaulted over phone call with BJP leader; officers go on ‘mass leave’The second-year student of integrated BEd programme apparently tried to kill herself following prolonged harassment by a senior faculty member and alleged institutional apathy towards her complaints.According to witnesses, she set herself ablaze near the main gate of the college during a peaceful protest that had been going on since July 1 demanding action against the head of the education department (HoD).Students and friends of the girl claimed she had previously filed complaints accusing the HoD of mental harassment, misbehaviour and threats to manipulate her academic performance by lowering her internal marks unless she gave in to his sexual demands.“She told us multiple times that she was being harassed by the head of the department. He allegedly demanded undue favours and threatened to fail her if she didn’t comply,” said a fellow student, who had witnessed the horrifying scene. The incident occurred shortly after noon. Witnesses said the girl briefly walked away from the protest site, doused herself in petrol and set herself on fire. CCTV footage showed the student setting herself ablaze, then running toward the principal’s office, and later through the campus before being rescued by some students.Also Read | Army officer assaulted, fiancée molested at Odisha police station: Developments so farPanic ensued as students rushed to douse the flames. A male student sustained injuries while trying to save her.The two injured were initially taken to Balasore district headquarters hospital. Given that the girl had sustained over 90% burns, she was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.The incident triggered widespread outrage across the campus. Students accused the college administration of gross negligence, alleging that their classmate’s earlier complaints were ignored or poorly handled. Although an internal committee was reportedly formed to probe the allegations, students claimed it was biased and lacked transparency.The college principal said the girl had approached him with complaints some days back. “She met me again on Saturday around 11 am and expressed severe distress. I summoned the teacher and spoke with both parties. Shortly after she left my office, we heard screams,” the principal said, adding, “Internal complaint committee did not find conclusive evidence of sexual harassment.”In the principal’s suspension order, the higher education department stated that “he has failed to perform his duties in the capacity of principal of the college”. It added that “the matter has not been handled properly”.The principal has been barred from leaving Balsore without the district collector’s permission. The accused teacher’s suspension order said it was based on “prima facie evidence”.DIG (eastern range), Satyajit Naik, said the accused faculty member has been arrested and booked for abetment to suicide attempt and sexual harassment. A forensic team visited the site, and a detailed investigation is underway. “Law and order is being strictly maintained on the college campus,” Naik said.
