A 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha’s Balasore, who attempted self-immolation after allegedly enduring prolonged sexual harassment, has died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar. The Department of Burn Centre, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said in a statement that the patient was brought to the casualty on July 12 and was referred from Balasore District Headquarters Hospital to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
According to a statement from AIIMS, she received all possible intensive care — including mechanical ventilation, IV support, antibiotics, and renal therapy — but succumbed to her injuries late on July 14. “She was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14,” the hospital confirmed.
Odisha Chief Minister Majhi expressed his grief and pledged strict action against the perpetrators. “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of the female student from FM Autonomous College,” he posted on social media. “Despite the government’s fulfillment of all responsibilities and the tireless efforts of the expert medical team, the victim’s life could not be saved.”
The CM also assured the victim’s family of unwavering support and justice. “All those guilty in this case will face the strictest punishment as per the law. For this, I have personally issued instructions to the authorities. The government stands firmly with the family.”
The student reportedly set herself ablaze after repeated complaints of sexual harassment by her college’s Head of Department allegedly went unaddressed by the principal and college authorities. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for institutional accountability, student safety, and reforms in handling harassment complaints.
The principal of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha’s Balasore, Dillip Kumar Ghosh, has been arrested following the attempted self-immolation of a female student who had accused a senior faculty member of prolonged sexual harassment. The arrest comes amid widespread outrage over the college administration’s alleged inaction, which the student said drove her to take the extreme step.
The student, pursuing a B. Ed course at the college, set herself on fire in front of the principal’s chamber last week. She suffered over 90% of burn injuries.
Meanwhile, the SDJM Court in Balasore has granted 14-day judicial custody to suspended FM College principal Dilip Ghose in connection with the Balasore student case.
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