It is with profound sadness that the mortal remains of the 20-year-old college student, who tragically succumbed to her injuries after a self-immolation attempt, were brought to her native village of Palasia in Bhograi, Balasore district, for her last rites. The heart-wrenching incident, stemming from alleged sexual harassment and subsequent inaction by college authorities, has sent shockwaves across Odisha and ignited widespread demands for justice.
The Unfolding Odisha Student Tragedy
The student, a second-year B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, Balasore, took the extreme step after enduring alleged sexual harassment by the Head of the Education Department, Samira Kumar Sahu. Despite lodging a formal complaint with the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on July 1, and reportedly apprising the principal, her pleas for justice allegedly went unheard. In a desperate act on July 12, she self-immolated on the college campus, suffering severe 95% burns. She battled for her life for nearly three days at AIIMS Bhubaneswar before being declared clinically dead on the night of July 14.
A Community Mourns the Odisha Student Tragedy
Thousands, including BJP Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi, gathered at the crematorium in her village to bid a tearful farewell to the young woman. Her cousin brother lit the funeral pyre, marking a somber end to a life cut short. The raw grief of her parents was palpable. Her father, tears streaming down his face, expressed his desire for his daughter back, stating, “My daughter has taught me to fight and I will continue it. I do not need the money or ex-gratia. I want my daughter back. Can the government give me back my child?” Her mother, overcome with sorrow, was speechless.
Villagers recalled her active role during natural calamities, particularly floods, noting her dedication to helping shift women to safer places. A teacher present at the cremation expressed disbelief at her suicide, affirming her mental strength and brilliance, and stating she was “forced to commit suicide… for being denied justice.” Her grandfather lamented that the government “failed” to provide her justice, which led to her tragic decision. Reports indicate she had approached various authorities, from local MLAs to Union Ministers, seeking redressal.
Political Outcry and Calls for Justice in the Odisha Student Tragedy
The incident has triggered a massive political controversy across Odisha. Following her death, protests erupted outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar, with political parties, student outfits, and social organizations demanding stringent action against those responsible.
- Chief Minister’s Assurance: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the student’s demise. In a post on X, he conveyed his condolences and assured the bereaved family that “all those guilty in this case will face the strictest punishment as per the law.” He further stated that he had personally issued instructions to the authorities and that the government stands firmly with the family in this Odisha student tragedy.
- Union Minister’s Condolence: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also conveyed his grief and prayed for strength for the family.
- Government Action: The government has suspended and arrested the accused department head and the college principal, Dilip Ghosh, for failing to handle the matter properly. A three-member team has been formed by the government to probe the matter.
- National Commission Involvement: The National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have taken cognizance of the case, highlighting the serious nature of the Odisha student tragedy.
- Protests and Demands: Members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged protests as the mortal remains were taken for post-mortem, questioning the timing and alleging a conspiracy to hush up the matter. Similar protests were also seen from Congress workers.
Timeline of the Unfortunate Odisha Student Tragedy
- July 1: Student files a complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), accusing Head of Department Samir Kumar Sahu of seeking “favours” and threatening her.
- July 12: The student, along with others, protests outside the college gate. She then rushes to the principal’s office, pours petrol, and sets herself ablaze, suffering severe burns. A man attempting to help also sustains minor burns.
- July 12-14: The student remains in critical condition, battling for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. President Droupadi Murmu visits her at the hospital.
- July 14: The Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati seeks a report on the incident. The college principal, Dilip Ghosh, is arrested for negligence. The victim passes away at 11:46 PM.
- July 15: Her mortal remains are brought to her native village in Balasore for last rites, amidst widespread mourning and calls for justice.
The Odisha student tragedy has brought to light serious concerns about the safety and redressal mechanisms for students, particularly women, in educational institutions. The collective demand for accountability and justice echoes loudly, hoping that such a devastating incident never recurs.
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