Nursing student’s death: Villagers demand justice, refuse to conduct final rites

In a shocking incident, the body of a nursing student has been lying at Raighar area in Nabarangpur without a funeral for the past 12 hours.

As per reports, the family members of the deceased and the villagers have refused to perform the last rites, demanding compensation and strict action. Discussions between the administration, villagers, and protesting BJD leaders have so far failed to reach any resolution.

The family has demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh. In connection with the matter, the BJD is observing a 12-hour Raighar bandh today. The villagers have warned that the funeral will not be held until the third accused, alleged to have made the victim’s photo viral, is arrested. The body of the nursing student remains placed in the village square as villagers continue their protest. 

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As per reports, the second-year BSc nursing student, studying at a private college in Jeypore, died while undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. The deceased, identified as Kalpana Ray of Dumurimunda village in Raighar, was residing in a hostel while pursuing her studies. According to reports, a youth from her neighbouring village, Satyajit Sarkar, a student of agricultural science, had been repeatedly harassing her after expressing one-sided romantic interest.

On July 13, while Kalpana was visiting the market in Jeypore town, Satyajit allegedly assaulted her in a public place. The incident was reported to Jeypore Town Police Station, where a case was registered. The accused was later released on bail.

On July 15, the victim filed an FIR at Jeypore Town Police Station and returned home with her parents. Meanwhile, Satyajit allegedly circulated certain photos and videos of the victim and her male friend on social media.

Unable to bear the humiliation, the victim reportedly consumed poison at home in an attempt to end her life on July 17. Upon discovering this, her family rushed her first to the Umerkote Sub-Divisional Health Centre, then to the Kondagaon Health Centre, and later to Raipur as her condition worsened.

However, with no significant improvement in her health, on July 21, the hospital advised the family to take her home. The victim was brought back home but, on July 23, she was again taken to Umerkote Medical Centre, then shifted to the Nabarangpur District Headquarters Hospital, and finally referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for further treatment.

Police, taking the case seriously, had arrested Satyajit Sarkar and male friend, Urdhav Gadnayak, who had given the photos, on July 25 and produced them in court. The victim, who had been under medical treatment, succumbed to her injuries today.

Opposition leaders have express concern that incidents of violence against women are reportedly on the rise in both the state and the district. They criticized the government for not taking firm action and have demanded the enactment of stricter laws to curb such crimes.