TV
A female student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore is battling for her life after attempting self-immolation in front of the college gate on Saturday, allegedly following prolonged harassment by a senior faculty member and institutional neglect of her complaints.
According to eyewitnesses and fellow students, the victim poured petrol on herself and set herself ablaze during a protest outside the college, alleging mental harassment by the Head of the Education Department, Sameer Ranjan Sahoo.
Sources mentioned that the victim was immediately rushed to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors confirmed she had sustained over 90% burns. After being administered primary care, she was in the process of being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack due to the critical nature of her condition.
Undue Favours, Harassment Led To Tragedy
Sources cited students present at the scene who claimed that the teacher demanded inappropriate favours and threatened to destroy her academic future if she refused.
“She had told us that the HOD threatened her repeatedly and said her career would be ruined if she didn't comply,” said a student eyewitness. “He had repeatedly asked her for undue favours, and this put her in extreme mental agony,” she added.
Allegations of Institutional Cover-up Surface
Notably, the matter had already been brought to the notice of the college authorities and an internal committee was formed. However, students have alleged of shielding and conspiracy.
They alleged that earlier complaints made by the victim were mishandled by the college. “Although an internal committee was formed, it excluded student representatives and included only college faculty, some of whom were allegedly complicit or close to the accused,” said a student at the scene.
“It wasn’t a fair investigation. They didn’t allow student voices. It was designed to protect the teacher and bury the truth,” a classmate alleged. Two teachers have been named by students, including Sahoo, as being responsible for persistent harassment.
Incident During Peaceful Dharna Turns Tragic
In view of the inaction by the college authorities, a dharana was being held today at the college campus. Reports stated that the girl had briefly walked away from the protest crowd. Moments later, students heard screams and saw her engulfed in flames.
Students present at the scene rushed to her aid and attempted to douse the flames, with some even using their bare hands. In the process, a few other students also sustained burn injuries and were brought to the hospital.
“We had all gathered at the dharna site when all of a sudden she (the victim) came out from behind, covered in flames. We did not know where she was during that period, but she had come in contact with HOD Sahoo today,” alleged a student present at the hospital.
Students Demand Justice, Government Action
Outraged by the incident, students have called for the immediate arrest of the accused and a fair, independent investigation. Many also demanded government accountability for ensuring the girl’s survival and for action against those who neglected her complaint.
“We had registered a complaint and were in the process of forming a report based on the findings of the internal committee,” said Dilip Ghosh, Principal of Fakir Mohan College in Bhubaneswar.
“The victim met me in my office today and stated that she was facing extreme mental pressure and demanded that the accused, Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, be called immediately. After some counselling, I paid heed to her demands and called upon Sahoo,” he added.
The principal, however, stated that no evidence of sexual exploitation was found by the internal committee.
“I had informed both the girl and the teacher of the consequences if any of their statements were found to be false. While Sahoo denied the allegations, the girl stood firm in her claims. Moments after I had finished a discussion with both of them, screams were heard, and I found that she had self-immolated herself,” the principal added.
