FM College student death: Main accused Professor Sameer Sahoo to be taken on remand

In a major development in the sensational FM College student self-immolation case, the Crime Branch will take the prime accused, Sameer Sahoo, on remand for further interrogation.

The tragic incident had shocked Balasore after a young student of FM College allegedly set herself on fire, sparking widespread protests and demands for a fair investigation. Following public outcry, the case was handed over to the Crime Branch for an impartial probe.

On Monday, the investigating team produced the main accused, Sameer Sahoo, before the District Sessions Court. The Crime Branch sought remand to gather more evidence and ascertain the sequence of events leading to the girl’s extreme step. After hearing the plea, the District Sessions Judge granted a 3-day remand, allowing investigators to question Sahoo in custody.

Sources said the interrogation will focus on the alleged harassment faced by the victim, the circumstances of her death, and the role of the accused in abetment. Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has assured that all angles of the case will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice for the deceased student and her family.

Worth mentioning, Sameer Sahoo, the Head of the Education Department at Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore, was arrested following the self-immolation attempt by a student who had accused him of prolonged mental harassment and demands for sexual favours, after her internal complaint was reportedly ignored.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has also suspended the college principal, Dillip Kumar Ghosh, and ordered an inquiry against him.