- By Yashashvi Tak
- Tue, 15 Jul 2025 08:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has constituted a four-member fact-finding committee to investigate the suicide of a female student at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, Odisha. The committee will examine the harassment allegations, evaluate compliance with anti-harassment policies, and recommend corrective measures. This action comes in response to widespread public outrage and demands for accountability over the alleged negligence that led to her death.
"A four-member panel has been formed to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including availability and effectiveness of factors such as institutional policies, grievance redressal mechanism, anti-harassment measures adopted and student support systems," said UGC Secretary Sudeep Singh Jain. "The panel will examine circumstances surrounding the incident, assess compliance with the stipulated regulatory provisions, and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future," he added.
The 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan College ignited nationwide protests after she succumbed to burn injuries on July 14 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. She had set herself on fire on the college campus, reportedly in despair after her sexual harassment complaint against a professor was ignored. During her final days, she appealed to college officials, government ministers, and police, efforts that sparked protests, resulted in arrests, and intensified political tensions across Odisha.
The victim, a second-year Integrated B.Ed student, suffered 95 percent burn injuries and fought for her life for three days before passing away.
Here Are Top Developments Of Odisha Self-Immolation Case
1. A 20-year-old second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14, a day after setting herself ablaze on campus. She had alleged that her sexual harassment complaint against a professor was ignored. “Despite adequate resuscitation she could not be revived,” AIIMS stated.
2. Police have arrested the college principal, Dilip Ghose, and the head of the Department of Education, Samira Kumar Sahu. The principal allegedly pressured the student to withdraw her complaint after the Internal Complaints Committee cleared the accused professor of wrongdoing. The student’s father and local MP Pratap Sarangi held Principal Dilip Ghose responsible for shielding the accused professor.
3. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP government, saying, “This is not suicide; it is an organised murder by the system. Modi ji... India’s daughters need safety and justice.” He added that the victim had spoken out against sexual abuse but was “threatened, harassed, and repeatedly humiliated.”
4. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, also the chancellor of state universities, has sought a detailed report from the Odisha government on 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 the matter is being taken seriously.
5. Congress and BJD leaders accused the BJP-led Odisha government of a cover-up in the student’s death. Congress’s Yashir Nawaz claimed police tried to move the body secretly at night, while BJD’s Elina Dash alleged the death announcement was delayed due to President Murmu’s visit. BJD MLA Snehangini Chhuria slammed the government, saying ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ has become ‘Beti Padhao, Beti Jalao’ in Odisha, and called the incident a grim reflection of worsening women’s safety.
6. The postmortem was conducted at 2am at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, triggering protests and outrage. Opposition leaders alleged it was done at odd hours to suppress key evidence. Police had to forcibly disperse demonstrators blocking the ambulance, with BJD’s Elina Dash calling it a staged drama due to the President’s visit.
7. The student’s mother demanded the harshest punishment for those responsible, raising doubts about the official version. “I don’t believe she set herself on fire; someone else could have done it,” she said. The family questioned the lack of protection, especially since the victim was an ABVP leader.
8. In response to the tragedy, the Odisha government directed all colleges and universities to install 24/7 CCTV surveillance and form internal safety squads. A three-member inquiry panel was constituted to investigate the incident. This has led to arrests and suspensions at Fakir Mohan College.
9. Days before the incident, the student posted on X: “If I don’t get justice, I will commit suicide.” She had uploaded her harassment complaint, a meeting photo, and the accused professor’s image, tagging officials and student leaders. Her father said she was threatened with academic failure and targeted by a student group.
10. The Congress has called for a judicial inquiry into the case, as protests spread across the country. The incident has become a symbol of growing concerns over women’s safety in educational institutions. BJD’s Elina Dash warned of district-level protests if the Higher Education Minister and CM do not resign.
