A Desperate Plea for Justice Ignored
A 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, is battling for her life after setting herself ablaze outside the principal’s office—an act of despair that has gripped the state in outrage and sorrow. With over 90% burn injuries, the young woman’s attempted self-immolation is believed to be a final, desperate protest against relentless sexual harassment by a senior faculty member and the institutional indifference she faced despite repeated complaints. The tragedy has triggered political storm, widespread condemnation, and renewed calls for reform in how complaints of sexual misconduct are addressed within academic institutions.
A Pattern of Harassment and Inaction
According to student testimonies, the victim was subjected to months of sexual harassment by Dr. Sameer Sahoo, Head of the Education Department. Sahoo allegedly used his position to intimidate the victim, threatening to tamper with her academic records if she did not submit to his demands. Despite lodging formal complaints with the college principal and local police, no substantial action was taken. Instead, an internal committee was formed—one that, according to fellow students, lacked both urgency and impartiality.
In a letter to the principal prior to her self-immolation, the victim not only reiterated her abuse but also revealed a previous suicide attempt—making clear the psychological trauma she was enduring. The incident occurred during a student-led protest demanding Sahoo’s suspension, which had been ongoing since July 1.
Political Reactions: Shock, Blame, and Condemnation
The attempted suicide has ignited strong political reactions across the spectrum. Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, described the incident as “deeply distressing” and reflective of a systemic failure that spans from the college administration to the highest levels of governance.
“This tragic incident lays bare the stark reality of how she was denied justice, despite repeatedly voicing her grievances from the college principal to the Higher Education Minister and up to Union and State leadership,”Patnaik stated, calling for the Odisha Governor’s direct intervention.
BJP MP from Balasore, Pratap Chandra Sarangi, who represents the victim’s constituency, acknowledged prior knowledge of the allegations. Sarangi revealed that both the student and her peers had reached out to him weeks ago, prompting his communication with the college principal and local police.
“When I read the enquiry report, I saw many errors. It was completely biased and inconsistent with the victim’s statements,” said Sarangi, expressing frustration over the administration’s delayed and inadequate response.
Opposition Alleges Rising Crimes Against Women
The Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders seized the moment to criticize the state’s law-and-order situation. Congress spokesperson Rajani Mohanty labeled the incident “heart-wrenching” and condemned what she described as a steep rise in crimes against women under the current regime.
“She had no hope left—not in her principal, not in the institution, not in the state. This is a wake-up call. Crimes against women are not being taken seriously,” Mohanty lamented.
BJD leader Lenin Mohanty echoed the sentiment, citing recent incidents of rape and gender violence across Odisha. “This girl was punished for no fault of hers. She was targeted, harassed, ignored, and ultimately driven to the brink. Our state is in chaos—15 rapes are being reported daily. What are we becoming?” he questioned in a press conference.
Delayed Action and Legal Response
Amid mounting pressure, the Odisha Government has initiated several corrective steps. The Higher Education Department has suspended college principal Dillip Kumar Ghose and arrested Dr. Sameer Sahoo following the establishment of prima facie evidence of harassment. A formal committee has been formed to probe the incident and evaluate the failure of internal mechanisms meant to protect students.
Balasore Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad confirmed the arrest and assured accountability. “She filed a complaint with the Internal Compliance Committee on June 30. We are now examining the committee’s findings and ensuring that all those guilty—either by action or negligence—are brought to justice,” Prasad stated.
The Institutional Rot Beneath the Surface
This harrowing episode is more than a case of individual misconduct—it reflects a broader, systemic failure in institutional accountability, student grievance redressal, and women’s safety in educational spaces. The formation of ineffective internal committees, the silence of college authorities, and the indifference of law enforcement underscore how deeply rooted apathy has become in cases of gender-based harassment.
Despite clear red flags—such as a prior suicide attempt and repeated complaints—no preventive or punitive action was taken. Instead, the burden of proof, survival, and persistence was placed entirely on the victim, whose only recourse appeared to be self-destruction.
A Grim Reminder and a Call for Reform
The self-immolation attempt by the young student is a tragic indictment of our institutional and societal failure to protect the vulnerable. It highlights a justice delivery system that is not just broken—but deeply complicit through inaction. As the victim clings to life, the questions raised must not be allowed to fade: Why was her voice unheard? Why were her complaints brushed aside? And how many more will suffer in silence before real reform takes root?
If this case is to have any lasting meaning, it must serve as a turning point—one that compels academic institutions, governments, and society at large to implement robust, transparent, and responsive mechanisms to protect the rights and dignity of every student. Anything less would be a disservice not only to the victim but to every voice still struggling to be heard.
(With agency inputs)
