'Rape bid' on +3 girl by lecturer in Odisha; victim warns self-immolation demanding action

Protests erupted at a college under Bari police limits in Jajpur district on Monday, following allegations by a Plus III 3rd-year student accusing a faculty member of attempting to rape her. Even the victim girl warned to immolate self over the issue.

The student has lodged a complaint at the Bari Police Station, sparking significant unrest amongst the student body.

Also Read: Utkal University Associate Professor suspended over girl student's molestation allegation

According to sources, the complainant attempted self-immolation, an act of desperation to hasten the arrest of the accused academic staff member, who is currently evading capture. Law enforcement efforts to locate and arrest the lecturer have been futile so far.

In response to the serious accusation, students secured the campus gates and initiated a sit-in protest alongside the victim girl, demanding swift justice. They expressed their intent to continue their demonstration until appropriate action is taken.

Acting on the complaint, the Inspector in charge (IIC) of Bari Police Station visited the college, vowing to bring the accused to justice promptly.

Meanwhile, the college principal in-charge has assured that an investigation is underway and that all efforts will be made to ensure justice is served. “I told the girl that it is a matter concerning an educational institution. It is now within the purview of law and IIC (Bari PS) has been probing into the allegations. We want that justice be given to her at the earliest,” the in-charge Principal Prabhakar Jena said.

The protest was underway till the time when this report was filed.

Must Read: Teacher ‘misbehaves’ with Class 9 girl student in Rourkela school; irate guardians stage demonstration

“Six days have already passed and I have not been delivered justice yet and the accused has not been arrested. I had also lodged a complaint against the Principal who is still absconding. Vice-Principal Damodar Sir is the right person who could have given me justice. Another faculty Prabhakar Sir has been given the charge of Principal and he is misusing his power to suppress the case,” the victim girl said to the media.

“I will meet the Chief Minister in the evening seeking justice. If he (the CM) would not give me justice, then, tomorrow morning I will immolate self,” the victim warned.