Girl’s self-immolation snowballs into massive political controversy in Odisha

The self-immolation of an undergraduate girl student, following alleged sexual harassment that went unaddressed, has snowballed into a massive political controversy in Odisha, with former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stating that the young woman was denied justice at every level.

The condition of the girl admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 90% burn injuries on Saturday (July 12, 2025) remains critical. As her health deteriorated, she was placed on a ventilator. State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited AIIMS to monitor her condition.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reportedly held discussions with his cabinet colleagues on how to address the fallout from the self-immolation incident, which has severely dented the image of the State government.

Odisha Chief Minister flanked by deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo directly proceeded to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar after arriving at Biju Patnaik International Airport from New Delhi on Sunday morning. “We will take all possible steps to prevent recurrence such kind of incidents. We will surely take action basing on the inquiry report,” said Mr. Majhi

Taking to social media platform, ‘X’, Mr. Patnaik, “a young student resorting to self-immolation inside one of Odisha’s premier universities is both shocking and deeply distressing. I fervently pray to Lord Jagannatha for her swift recovery from the grievous burn injuries.”

He pointed out that the girl was allegedly subjected to relentless sexual harassment by a teacher who repeatedly demanded sexual favours.

Stating that in a letter to the principal, she revealed that she had earlier attempted suicide but was saved, former Chief Minister said, “for months, she lived in fear and anguish. On July 1, in a desperate plea for help, she posted her grievance on social media, tagging several top officials. But with no action forthcoming, she tragically resorted to setting herself on fire, right outside the principal’s chamber, in a final attempt to end her suffering.”

“This tragic incident lays bare the stark reality of how she was denied justice, despite repeatedly voicing her grievances from the college principal to the higher education minister and right up to Union Minister and Odisha CM,” said Mr. Patnaik.

He urged Governor to intervene and ensure that the student receives the justice she so desperately sought.

The unfortunate incident had taken place on campus of F M University, Balasore on Saturday (July 12, 2025). The girl had accused assistant professor Samir Kumar Sahu heading the education department of seeking sexual favour. As per girl’s written complaint, the college teacher had even threatened to sabotage her career if she did not comply. The girl had taken extreme steps outside chamber of principal. The disturbing image of the girl engulfed by fire and students attempting to save her had gone viral and evoked sharp reaction from all walks of life.

Though assistant professor Samir Kumar Sahu heading the education department, accused in the case, was arrested and Principal Dilip Ghosh was placed under suspension, the controversy refused to die down.

Congress leaders met the victim’s family and accused the government of ignoring her complaint. Leaders from both the Congress and BJD attempted to march to the residences of CM and Higher Education Minister. A scuffle broke out with city police, who intervened to stop their advance.

This year, a Nepalese student ended her life in her hostel room on campus of a private university when her repeated complaints against male classmate were overlooked.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) said it had taken Suo motu cognizance of deeply disturbing report from Odisha, where a 20-year-old student of a government college in Balasore allegedly set herself ablaze after facing sexual harassment and academic threats by the Head of Department.

“The student, currently in critical condition with 90% burns, has been shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has strongly condemned the incident and directed the Director General of Police, Odisha to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation, take strict action against the accused, and extend all necessary medical and psychological support to the victim free of cost. An Action Taken Report must be submitted to the Commission within 3 days,” the Commission said.