FM College student’s death: Balasore MP blames Principal for ‘serious lapse’

Terming the death of Fakir Mohan College student ‘deeply painful and disturbing,’ Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi on Tuesday said the tragic incident reflects serious lapses on the part of the college administration, particularly the Principal.

Speaking to reporters, Sarangi alleged that the college Principal failed in his duty to monitor the internal complaints committee (ICC) and ensure timely action.

 “This death could have been prevented if the Principal had taken the student's repeated complaints seriously,” he stated.

“The matter did not get noticed at the right time and no one was aware that she would take such an extreme step. I had also asked her to file an FIR. We realised that ICC did not conduct an impartial probe,” he added.

The MP also alleged that some students are shading crocodile tears, while others may have even encouraged her toward her extreme step. He, however, assured that everyone involved would be brought under the purview of the investigation.

“Several students who are now shedding crocodile tears, have provoked her to commit suicide. Those will be investigated. An impartial inquiry is underway. Necessary action will be taken,” the MP added.

The Odisha government has acted swiftly. Within 12 hours, the accused HOD was suspended and arrested. Similarly, the Principal has been arrested after preliminary findings, he said.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked widespread outrage, prompting fresh calls for reforms in college-level grievance redressal systems and stricter action in cases of harassment.