TV
A three-member inquiry committee on Sunday began probing the attempted suicide by self-immolation by a female student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha’s Balasore district. She reportedly took the extreme step after being allegedly harassed by the college authorities.
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The panel questioned the FM College authorities on the first day of the investigation. According to sources, the inquiry, which officially commenced today, is aimed at uncovering the circumstances that forced the girl student to take such a drastic step.
The committee is investigating specific allegations of torture and evaluating the role of the college administration, including the principal and the internal complaint committee. A major part of the probe focuses on the alleged involvement of Assistant Professor Sameer Kumar Sahoo. Questions have been raised about his conduct and possible role in the series of events that led to the student’s mental breakdown.
The committee is also examining whether there were any procedural lapses or negligence on the part of the college management. Officials are trying to determine if any other related incidents or hidden complaints may emerge during the investigation.
The probe team includes Director of Higher Education and senior IAS officer Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, Higher Education department Joint Secretary Mousumi Nayak, and BJB Autonomous College professor Jhumki Rath. Their report is expected to shed light on the institutional accountability in this sensitive case.
“We will discuss today with the persons who are linked to this case and we might visit again and again, if required. We will complete our inquiry soon. We have been instructed to probe all possible angles of the case,” Joint Secretary Mousumi Nayak said.
“Not discussion, we came here today for a preliminary investigation. We have gathered necessary information, which we will verify. If required, we will come again and may have to come repeatedly. We are also probing if any lapses were there from the side by the college authorities. We collected evidence and took their views,” Director of Higher Education Mohapatra stated.
Reported By: Chandrakant Jena
