On Saturday, Odisha Police analyzed CCTV footage from a Balasore petrol pump showing a woman purchasing petrol in a bottle. This aligns with the timeline of a student self-immolating at the Balasore College campus on July 12. The identity of this woman in connection with the student remains unconfirmed, but it is a focal point of the investigation.
A police officer explained that the crime branch is reviewing CCTV footage from local petrol pumps, yet it remains unclear how the student acquired the petrol.
The student set herself on fire on the college campus, alleging inaction on a sexual harassment complaint against a professor. After sustaining critical burns, she was admitted to AIIMS hospital in Bhubaneswar, where she passed away on July 14.
Stop in Petrol Sales by Bottle
In the district, petrol stations have ceased sales of petrol in bottles. Meanwhile, a fact-finding team from the University Grants Commission (UGC) is investigating the incident. The team, led by Rajkumar Mittal, has been engaging with various stakeholders over the past two days and is set to prepare a report soon.
No Evidence of Harassment Claims: ICC
The UGC team has interrogated the college principal and members of the Internal Complaint Committee (ICC), which reported no evidence supporting the deceased student's sexual harassment claims. Additionally, a separate fact-finding team from the Higher Education Department is independently examining the matter.
On a political front, the women's wing of the opposition BJD protested outside the state women's commission office in Bhubaneswar, questioning its role in ensuring women's safety. The BJD warned of locking the office if the government fails to fill vacant posts in the women's commission promptly.
This incident raises urgent questions about women’s safety and response to sexual harassment complaints in Odisha’s educational institutions. The outcomes of ongoing investigations and the UGC report are eagerly awaited.
