FM College student death case: Odisha Crime Branch arrests two students, further probe underway

Nearly 23 days after the tragic self-immolation incident involving a girl student at Balasore FM College, the Odisha Crime Branch has made significant headway in the investigation by arresting two male students in connection with the case. 

The arrested students have been identified as Subhra Sambit Nayak and Jyoti Prakash Biswal. The duo was taken into custody late on Sunday night on charges related to criminal conspiracy and abetment of suicide, which investigators suspect may amount to murder conspiracy.

Both accused were produced before the SDJM Court in Balasore, where their bail petitions were rejected. Subsequently, they were remanded to 15-day judicial custody.

 According to sources in the Crime Branch, during the course of the investigation, concrete evidence was found linking the two students to the circumstances leading up to the girl’s extreme step. Forensic analysis, digital evidence, and eyewitness accounts reportedly played a crucial role in building the case against them.

Interestingly, Jyoti Prakash had earlier claimed to have been injured while attempting to rescue the girl during the incident. He was admitted to SCB Medical College in Cuttack for treatment and later discharged.

However, the Crime Branch's probe reportedly raised doubts over the nature of his involvement. His rescue attempt, investigators believe, may have been a cover to deflect suspicion.

This recent development follows the earlier arrest of FM College's B.Ed department head of department (HoD) Sameer Sahu and college Principal Dillip Ghosh , who were booked soon after the incident on charges of negligence and possible complicity. Both continue to remain in custody as the investigation unfolds.

The incident took place on July 12, when the victim, a young student of FM College, attempted self-immolation by dousing herself in petrol within the college premises. The horrifying act occurred during broad daylight, triggering panic among students and staff. 

She was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition, but despite the best medical efforts, she succumbed to her burn injuries a few days later.

The case drew widespread attention from the media, civil society, and student groups, who demanded a thorough and impartial probe into the matter. 

Allegations surfaced about systemic harassment, administrative apathy, and a toxic college environment. Under pressure, the Odisha government handed over the investigation to the Crime Branch for an in-depth inquiry.

With the arrest of two students, the total number of accused in custody now stands at four. The Crime Branch has assured that the investigation is progressing on all angles, including possible psychological or physical harassment, and faculty misconduct. Further arrests have not been ruled out.