Balasore Student Death: Protest erupt in Balasore after college student dies by self-immolation over sexual harassment | Bhubaneswar News

NEW DELHI: Protests erupted outside the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday after a 20-year-old college student died following a self-immolation attempt, allegedly triggered by prolonged sexual harassment and institutional inaction.The student had accused her college Head of Department of harassment and had reportedly reached out to multiple authorities for help before setting herself on fire. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers led the protests, calling for a ‘Balasore Bandh’ from 6am to 2pm.Protestors burned tyres on roads and demanded the resignation of chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi and education minister Suryabanshi Suraj, blaming them for inaction in the case. “People in large numbers are joining our protest. The victim should get justice. The Chief Minister and the state health minister should resign. We have called for the Balasore Bandh from 6 am to 2 pm,” said one BJD worker. The victim, a student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, had allegedly faced repeated harassment by her college’s HOD.Despite approaching the college principal and higher authorities, her complaints were allegedly ignored. Her death has triggered a political backlash, with BJD chief Naveen Patnaik strongly criticising the state government’s handling of the case. “It is even more disturbing to think how a failed system can take someone’s life. The most painful part is that this was not an accident, but rather the result of a system that remained silent instead of helping. Struggling for justice, the girl ultimately closed her eyes,” Patnaik said in a post on X. He added that the student had shown courage by approaching several authorities, including the Chief Minister’s office and a Union Minister. “With great courage, she had written to the college principal, informing them about the sexual harassment she had faced. Even after being ignored by the college authorities, she did not give up. To seek justice, she reached out to the higher education minister, the chief minister’s office, and even a Union Minister. She also personally met the Balasore MP to share her plight,” Patnaik said. The girl was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 12, after being referred from the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital. On Monday, the AIIMS Burn Centre confirmed her death. The Odisha government has yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations or announce any action in the case.