Odisha 'harassment' case: President Murmu meets student who set herself ablaze, seeks update on condition

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu met the 20-year-old college student at the AIIMS Bhubaneswar burn unit, where the girl is undergoing treatment after attempting self-immolation alleging that her claims of sexual harassment by a professor went unheard.

The President was at the hospital to attend the institute's convocation.The student set herself on fire near the main gate of the college on Saturday during a peaceful protest that started on July 1, demanding action against the Head of the Education Department (HoD). Students and friends claimed she had previously filed complaints accusing the HoD of mental harassment, misbehaviour, and threats to manipulate her academic performance by lowering her internal marks unless she complied with his sexual demands.

The student briefly walked away from the demonstration area, doused herself in petrol, and ignited herself. CCTV footage captured the student setting herself ablaze before running toward the principal's office and later through the campus. She was subsequently rescued by fellow students.Earlier in the day, the college principal was arrested, following the earlier arrest of the head of department (HoD).