Odisha student dies after self-immolation over sexual harassment; professor, principal arrested

A young student from a prominent government college in Odisha’s Balasore district succumbed to burn injuries late July 14 night, two days after setting herself ablaze on campus in protest against alleged sexual harassment by a senior faculty member and administrative inaction.

Hospital authorities at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar — where the student was admitted with over 90% burn injuries — confirmed her death at 11:46 pm on July 14. A statement from the hospital noted that despite “adequate resuscitation and all possible supportive management, including renal replacement therapy at the Burns ICU,” the student could not be revived.

The incident took place on Saturday, when the student, in a desperate act of protest, immolated herself outside the college principal’s office shortly after a meeting with him. CCTV footage shows other students rushing to douse the flames and save her. She was initially taken to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to AIIMS for advanced care.

Her body was handed over to the family following a post-mortem. Final rites will be performed in her native village in Balasore district.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed condolences on X, calling the death a “heart-wrenching loss” and promising unwavering government support to the bereaved family.

“Despite the government’s fulfilment of all responsibilities and the tireless efforts of the expert medical team, the victim’s life could not be saved,” Majhi said. “I pray for eternal peace to her soul and strength to her family in this irreparable moment of grief.”

Reiterating the government’s resolve, Majhi added, “The guilty will not be spared and will face the strictest punishment as per the law.”

So far, police have arrested two individuals in the case — the accused professor and the college principal. Investigations are ongoing.