FM College student’s death: Higher Education Dept’s high-level Committee to visit Balasore, ICC members to depose

A high-level committee formed by the Higher Education Department of the Odisha government will visit Balasore on Friday to conduct a detailed inquiry into the tragic death of a girl student from Fakir Mohan (FM) College. The Committee will carry out its investigation over the next two days.

Sources confirm that members of the Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) of FM College have been directed to appear before the probe panel during this period. The panel aims to thoroughly examine all aspects related to the incident.

Earlier, on July 13, the same high-level Committee had conducted a preliminary investigation and submitted an interim report to the Department. However, in light of new developments and public pressure, the panel is now set to carry out a deeper probe.

Apart from injured eyewitness Jyoti Prakash Biswal, nine other individuals have also been summoned to appear before the Committee.

The committee is being led by the Director of Higher Education and is expected to cross-verify findings, interact with college authorities, and record statements from key individuals involved in or witness to the events surrounding the student’s death.

What had happened?

A student of FM College had accused her Head of Department of repeated harassment. Despite filing complaints with the college authorities and the internal Committee, no action was allegedly taken. 

In a desperate act of protest, she attempted self-immolation outside the college Principal’s office on July 12. She sustained over 90% burn injuries and was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition. 

After battling for her life, she succumbed to her injuries on July 14, sparking statewide outrage and demands for justice.