FM College girl student’s death: PIL filed in Orissa HC seeking SIT probe

The Orissa High Court is expected to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Tuesday demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe under judicial supervision into the death of a 20-year-old female student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who succumbed to her injuries after a self-immolation bid on July 12.

According to reports, the PIL has been filed by senior advocate Shib Shankar Mohanty, who has raised serious concerns over the handling of the case and is seeking a court-monitored investigation.

The petition seeks intervention from the High Court to ensure transparency and accountability in the probe, amid growing public outrage and conflicting narratives surrounding the incident.

Crime Branch Continues Probe

Meanwhile, the Odisha Crime Branch, which took over the investigation last week, is continuing to examine key witnesses and collect evidence.

On Monday, a two-member team of officers visited the FM College campus for the fifth consecutive day, questioning faculty and staff, including the acting principal. Officials have confirmed that multiple angles, including possible negligence and harassment, are being examined.

According to sources, a written complaint was filed by the deceased student before the incident, but the college’s internal probe found no grounds to act on it. The subsequent escalation of the situation has led to intensified scrutiny of the college administration's role.

Student Declared Dead After Days In Critical Care

The victim, after allegedly being subject to prolonged harassment by FM College’s Education Department HOD Sameer Sahoo, set herself on fire outside the principal’s chamber on the college premises on July 12. She had suffered over 90% burn injuries and was undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she was declared dead late on July 15.

Her death has triggered widespread concern over student safety, alleged administrative apathy, and accountability within educational institutions.

 A political firestorm had erupted with opposition BJD and Congress staging large-scale protests, including an Odisha Bandh, by the latter and its allied parties, on July 17.