TV
A day after a girl student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore attempted self-immolation on campus, suspended college principal Dillip Ghosh has sought personal protection and claimed he is cooperating fully with the Odisha government’s ongoing investigation.
Following the incident on Saturday, the Higher Education Department of the Odisha government suspended Principal Dillip Ghosh while arresting the college’s Head of Education Department, Sameer Kumar Sahoo, whom the victim girl had accused of harassment.
According to sources, Ghosh has now submitted a formal request to the Balasore District Collector seeking protection, citing concerns for his safety in light of growing public outrage and student protests.
“I wrote to the Collector this morning requesting security arrangements for me and my family’s safety. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, but the spotlight on me by the media and college students warrants that I take safety precautions,” he said.
Principal Refutes Victim’s Father’s Allegations
Ghosh offered a response to the allegations raised by the victim’s father, refuting claims that the college administration had harassed the student or pressurised her to withdraw her complaint.
According to Ghosh, the victim met him around 11 am on the day of the incident, alleging misconduct by the Head of the Education Department, Sameer Kumar Sahoo.
Ghosh stated that after counselling the student, he called Sahoo into his chamber to discuss the matter. He admitted that while a complaint about ‘misbehaviour’ had been received, no concrete evidence was found to support allegations of sexual harassment or demand for favours. He also maintained that all procedures were followed as per existing institutional norms.
“Our internal Committee was in the process of fact-finding and had followed all due steps. The girl took a step suddenly. However, I would fully cooperate with the authorities for a detailed investigation as it is my duty,” he said.
AIIMS Confirms Critical Condition, Organ Damage
At AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where the victim is being treated, medical authorities have painted a grim picture of her condition. According to hospital director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, the student has suffered between 90 and 95 percent burn injuries, many of which are deep and have severely damaged internal organs.
“She is on ventilator support and being treated in the ICU,” Dr. Biswas said. “Her kidneys have been affected. There are complications involving the respiratory tract and other vital organs. The next 24 to 48 hours are critical,” he said on Sunday.
