Her kidneys and lungs have also been affected, and she remains in critical condition

Odisha Student’s Self-Immolation Attempt Over Sexual Harassment Allegations Latest News:

Balasore (Odisha), July 13: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of a deeply disturbing incident in Odisha, where a 20-year-old student of a government college in Balasore allegedly attempted to end her life by setting herself ablaze after facing prolonged sexual harassment and academic threats from the Head of the Department.

NCW Chairperson Ms. Vijaya Rahatkar strongly condemned the incident and has directed the Director General of Police, Odisha, to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation. She also urged strict action against the accused and called for all necessary medical and psychological support to be extended to the victim, free of cost.

The Commission has asked for an action-taken report to be submitted within three days.

According to reports, the student, a second-year student of an integrated B.Ed. program, set herself on fire on Saturday near the college gate during a peaceful protest that had been ongoing since July 1. The protestors were demanding action against the head of the education department, alleging sexual harassment and institutional apathy.

A male student, who attempted to rescue her, also sustained burn injuries.

CCTV footage reportedly showed the student running toward the principal’s office after setting herself ablaze. Both the student and the injured male were initially rushed to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later the 20 year old woman was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.

As per the Hindustan Times, doctors at AIIMS Bhubaneswar stated that the student sustained 95 percent burn injuries. Her kidneys and lungs have also been affected, and she remains in critical condition, receiving multidisciplinary care.

“At this moment, we cannot say anything conclusive,” said Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage on campus. Students have accused the college administration of negligence and claimed that prior complaints were either ignored or handled in a biased manner. An Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) was reportedly formed, but students alleged it lacked transparency and impartiality.

The college principal, in a public statement, said the victim approached her around 11 AM on Saturday and expressed severe distress.

“I summoned the teacher and spoke to both parties. Shortly after the student left my office, we heard screams,” she said. The ICC, according to the principal, "did not find conclusive evidence of sexual harassment.”

Following the incident, the accused teacher was arrested and booked under relevant sections for sexual harassment and abetment to suicide attempt, according to DIG Satyajit Naik.

The Odisha government has suspended both the accused teacher and the principal, with the latter being barred from leaving Balasore without the district collector's permission.

A detailed investigation into the matter is currently underway.

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