On Saturday (12th July), a 20-year-old woman set herself on fire in Balasore in Odisha, following inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a faculty member.
The victim, a second-year student enrolled in Integrated B.Ed. at Fakir Mohan College in Balasore, immolated herself on the college campus.
ओडिशा के बालेश्वर कॉलेज में छात्रा ने खुद को लगाई आग
— News24 (@news24tvchannel) July 13, 2025
◆ HOD समीर साहू पर यौन शोषण का आरोप
◆ प्रिंसिपल दिलीप घोष सस्पेंड, साहू गिरफ्तार#SexualHarassment | College Scandal | #Odisha pic.twitter.com/5h7aX89kpF
She suffered severe burn injuries covering around 90% of her body and is being treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr Ashutosh Biswas described her condition as “highly critical” as her kidneys and lungs are severely affected.
“She is on critical care support. Her entire body is burnt except for a few patches on her face,” Dr. Biswas said during a media briefing on Sunday (13th July).
? FM College, Balasore Girl Student battling for life after self-immolation bid due to harassment by a Professor. She failed to get justice from the authorities despite repeated pleas. #TNI #Insight #Odisha pic.twitter.com/jgyAcGslhA
— TNI (@TNITweet) July 12, 2025
The victim filed a formal complaint against Samir Kumar Sahu, a Head of Department, on 30th June, accusing him of sexual and mental harassment.
An internal committee was formed following her complaint but she was not satisfied with the progress. On Saturday, after meeting principal Dilip Ghosh in his chamber, she set herself ablaze. The accused has been arrested.
