‘Organised murder by system’: What led to Odisha college student’s self-immolation? 10 things to know

The tragic death of a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore has triggered widespread outrage across Odisha and the nation. The student, who set herself ablaze on campus after allegedly being ignored over a complaint of sexual harassment by a professor, died on July 14, at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 95% burn injuries.Her final days, spent pleading with college authorities, ministers and police, have sparked protests, arrests, and fierce political clashes.While the Odisha government has promised strict punishment, opposition parties have accused it of a coverup and demanded the resignation of the Higher Education Minister and Chief Minister.

Here are 10 things to know about the Balasore case:

Student succumbs to burns after harassment complaint ignored

A 20-year-old second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14 after suffering 95% burns.

She had set herself ablaze on campus on July 13, alleging that her complaint of sexual harassment by a professor was ignored. “Despite adequate resuscitation... she could not be revived,” AIIMS said in a statement.

Professor and principal arrested

Police have arrested the college principal, Dilip Ghose, and the head of the Department of Education, Samira Kumar Sahu. The principal allegedly asked her to withdraw her complaint after the Internal Complaints Committee gave a clean chit to the professor.

The student's father and local MP Pratap Sarangi held Ghose responsible for protecting the accused.

Nationwide outrage: Rahul Gandhi calls it ‘organised murder’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP government: “This is not suicide; it is an organised murder by the system. Modi ji... India’s daughters need safety and justice.” He said the victim had raised her voice against sexual abuse but was “threatened, harassed, and repeatedly humiliated.”

Governor steps in, seeks detailed report from govt

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, who also serves as the chancellor of state universities, has demanded a full report from the Odisha government detailing the events leading to the student's suicide attempt.

In a post on X, he said he had spoken to Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryabanshi, who assured him that the matter was being taken seriously. “I have urged the authorities to act with urgency, empathy, and responsibility to prevent such incidents in the future,” the governor wrote, after also speaking with AIIMS Bhubaneswar officials.

Opposition protests: BJP under fire

Congress and BJD leaders accused the BJP-led state government of attempting a coverup.

“The government, with police help, wanted to quietly take away the body at night,” said Congress leader Yashir Nawaz. Elina Dash of BJD alleged the official death announcement was delayed to coincide with President Murmu’s visit. BJD MLA Snehangini Chhuria sharply criticised the government over the student’s death, saying the Centre’s slogan ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ has tragically turned into ‘Beti Padhao, Beti Jalao’ in Odisha.

“No one listened to the victim, which is why she chose to self-immolate,” Chhuria said, calling the incident a glaring example of the deteriorating safety of women in the state.

Postmortem triggers controversy

The postmortem was conducted at 2am at AIIMS, sparking protests. Opposition leaders claimed it was done to suppress evidence. Police had to forcibly remove protesters blocking the ambulance. “They staged the entire drama because the President was going to come,” BJD’s Elina Dash said.

Mother questions version of events

The student's mother demanded capital punishment for the culprits. “I have doubts whether my daughter set herself on fire or someone else did it,” she said. The family also raised concerns over why no protection was provided, even though the victim was an ABVP leader.

Safety and surveillance under review

In response, the state government ordered all colleges and universities to enforce round-the-clock surveillance with CCTV and inhouse squad teams.

A three member panel was set up to investigate the incident, leading to the arrests and suspensions at the college.

Sudent warned of suicide in post days before self-immolation

Days before she set herself on fire, the 20-year-old posted on X: “If I don’t get justice, I will commit suicide.” She had created the account in June and on July 1 uploaded her complaint to the college’s internal complaints committee, along with a photo of the meeting, the accused teacher’s image, and tagged government and student union leaders.Her 46-year-old father said, “He threatened she wouldn’t clear her papers even in six years.” He added, “After the complaint, the teacher formed a student group to target her.” The principal allegedly threatened rustication and ignored her pleas. “My daughter is strong… I can’t hold back tears remembering all this,” he said.

Judicial inquiry, protests continue

The Congress has demanded a judicial probe. Nationwide protests have erupted, and the victim’s death has become a flashpoint for broader concerns over women’s safety on campuses. “We will not stop until the Higher Education Minister and the CM resign,” said Elina Dash, warning of districtwide demonstrations.(With agency inputs)