Odisha self-immolation case: Committee recommended transfer, principal ignored it

A 20-year-old B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday night after attempting self-immolation on campus. The young woman, who sustained 90% burns, succumbed to her injuries in a tragic act described as a desperate cry for justice.

Her death has sparked widespread grief and outrage, as she had repeatedly accused Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, the Head of Department (HOD), of prolonged sexual harassment, alleging that the college administration, led by Principal Dillip Ghose, failed to address her complaints.

The tragedy unfolded after the student lodged a formal complaint with the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), alleging that Sahoo had demanded inappropriate favors, implying sexual harassment.

ICC member Meenati Sethy confirmed the allegation but noted that no direct evidence was found. The committee interviewed approximately 60 students from the department to investigate Sahoo’s behavior, but no other students corroborated similar claims.

Despite the lack of corroborating testimonies, the ICC recommended Sahoo’s immediate transfer from his HOD position to ensure a safer environment for students.

On July 9, the committee submitted a detailed report to Principal Ghose, accompanied by a formal letter and verbal recommendations urging swift action.

ICC member Mishra clarified that the committee’s role was limited to submitting its findings, with further action left to college authorities.

The college administration’s inaction proved catastrophic. Reports suggest that Principal Ghose disregarded the ICC’s recommendations, allegedly protecting Sahoo and even considering his reinstatement.

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