Balasore Student Reported HOD’s Harassment On June 30: Why Did It Lead To Peer Pressure But Not FIR?

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 13:38 IST

Balasore student’s complaint of HOD's harassment on June 30 to self-immolation, sources tell News18 how college administration remained apathetic, even as she faced peer pressure

Members of Biju Chhatra Janata Dal stage a protest over the self-immolation bid by Fakir Mohan College student in Balasore. (PTI)

The tragic death of a 20-year-old BEd student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, after she set herself on fire over the alleged harassment by her head of department (HOD) and Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu, has sparked nationwide outrage. Political parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, have taken to the streets, demanding justice.

Investigating agencies, meanwhile, are raising serious questions about the role of the college administration. From the student’s complaint on June 30 to her self-immolation, sources tell News18 how the administration was apathetic every step of the way, even as the woman faced peer pressure to back off.

What happened after victim filed complaint on June 30? Sources tell News18

On June 30, the student, accompanied by her brother and a few students, approached the institution to lodge a complaint. Amid protests, the college principal called the police, alleging that some students were creating disturbance.

The local Inspector-in-Charge (IC) and Additional SP promptly arrived at the college. They reportedly shared their contact details with the student and her brother, assuring them of assistance if required.

Sources confirmed that a meeting was held at the college during this time, where the principal formally took the victim’s complaint. She had detailed months of abuse and threats from the professor. The student was promised action within seven days.

Police officials advised the principal that police could intervene if legal action was required.

‘Internal investigation confirmed HOD’s conduct was inappropriate’

The college conducted an internal investigation and submitted a detailed report. According to the report, it was recommended that the HOD be removed, citing his inappropriate conduct and unprofessional attitude.

Sources within the investigating agencies have one key question on this: If the HoD’s conduct was indeed found to be problematic, why did the principal not file an FIR?

‘Balasore student even faced pressure from peers’

Sources have revealed that the Balasore victim faced pressure not only from the system but also from fellow students.

A group of students reportedly bullied her and submitted a petition to the principal defending Sahu, claiming he was a good person on June 1, said sources.

On July 12, the student and others began a protest outside the college gate. According to the fellow students, amid the protest, the woman suddenly got up, ran to the area close to the principal’s office, and set herself on fire. She was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with over 90 per cent burns. She succumbed on Tuesday.

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar...Read More

Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar...

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News india Balasore Student Reported HOD’s Harassment On June 30: Why Did It Lead To Peer Pressure But Not FIR?