A 20-year-old B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, tragically passed away at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday night following a self-immolation attempt on campus. The young woman, who suffered from 90% burns, ultimately succumbed to her injuries in what has been described as a desperate plea for justice.

Her death has ignited widespread sorrow and anger, as she had consistently accused Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, the Head of Department (HOD), of ongoing sexual harassment, claiming that the college administration, under Principal Dillip Ghose, failed to take her complaints seriously.

The unfortunate incident occurred after the student filed a formal complaint with the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), alleging that Sahoo had solicited inappropriate favors, which she interpreted as sexual harassment.

Meenati Sethy, a member of the ICC, confirmed the allegations but mentioned that no direct evidence was uncovered. The committee interviewed around 60 students from the department to probe Sahoo’s conduct, yet no other students supported similar allegations.

Even in the absence of corroborating testimonies, the ICC advised the immediate transfer of Sahoo from his HOD role to foster a safer environment for students.

On July 9, the committee presented a comprehensive report to Principal Ghose, along with a formal letter and verbal recommendations urging prompt action.

Mishra, another ICC member, clarified that the committee’s responsibility was confined to reporting its findings, leaving any further actions to the college authorities.

The college administration’s failure to act proved disastrous. Reports indicate that Principal Ghose ignored the ICC’s recommendations, allegedly shielding Sahoo and even contemplating his reinstatement.