Odisha student battling for life following self-immolation, says sexual assault complaint against professor went unheard

An undergraduate girl student, whose complaint of sexual harassment against an assistant professor went unaddressed, was battling for life following self-immolation in college corridor in Odisha’s Balasore district on Saturday (July 12, 2025).

Assistant professor Samir Kumar Sahu heading the education department in Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore district was arrested while principal of the college Dilip Ghosh was placed under suspension with the Mohan Majhi government facing intense criticism from Opposition political parties.

The girl attempted suicide during a student protest over the inaction on her sexual harassment complaint. She was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where doctors found she had suffered 90% burn injuries. Two male students, who tried to save her, were also admitted with burn injuries.

The situation escalated after the girl repeatedly accused Professor Sahu of sexual harassment, alleging that he had threatened to sabotage her academic record if she did not comply with his demands. Although an internal committee was formed to look into the matter, no concrete action was taken for a prolonged period, sparking student protests.

There were allegations that Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi had been informed about the sexual harassment complaint but no action followed. College authorities dismissed the allegations, stating that the internal committee had not found any substantial evidence to support the complaint.

Her classmates and other college students charged that there was no student representation in the internal committee while colleagues of accused teachers tried to suppress the matter.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education department had constituted a high level inquiry committee to look into all aspects of the incident.

The BJD held a press conference holding college authorities, the police, and Mr. Sarangi responsible. The party said the student on July 1 had submitted a written complaint alleging that a lecturer had demanded sexual favours from her.

“However, the principal did not take the allegation seriously. As a result of the principal’s inaction, the student was compelled to approach the police. When she failed to get justice there, she personally met Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi and shared her distress. Pratap Sarangi has also admitted this interaction in the media,” the party said.

Earlier this year, a Nepalese student was found dead in her hostel room on the campus of a private university after repeated complaints against male classmate were overlooked.

(Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts are encouraged to seek help and counselling by calling the helpline numbers here)