TV
The mortal remains of Fakir Mohan College student who succumbed to burn injuries after self-immolation, were consigned to flames on Tuesday in her native village in Balasore district.
Her last rites were performed amidst heart-wrenching scenes as grieving family members, relatives, and villagers bid her a tearful farewell.
She had attempted self-immolation on the college campus on Saturday, accusing the Head of the Education Department of prolonged harassment and demanding sexual favours. She had reportedly filed several complaints, but no substantial action was taken by the college authorities. In a desperate act of protest, she set herself ablaze near the Principal's office.
Rescued by fellow students, she was first rushed to Balasore hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition with over 90% burns. After battling for life for nearly 60 hours, she breathed her last on Monday night.
As her body reached Palasia, the entire village plunged into mourning. Sobs, silence, and slogans filled the air as locals recalled her as a studious and courageous girl, now lost to institutional apathy.
The incident has sparked state-wide outrage, with demands growing louder for justice, strict action against the accused, and reforms in campus safety and grievance redressal mechanisms.
