The tragic self-immolation and subsequent death of a 20-year-old B.Ed. student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha's Balasore district have sparked widespread alarm across the state. The student accused the Head of the Department (HoD) of Education, Sameer Kumar Sahu, of sexual harassment and took this drastic step due to the college administration's inaction.
This incident has not only spotlighted the negligence of the college administration but also raised serious concerns about the procedures for addressing sexual harassment complaints in educational institutions.
A Complaint Was Filed 6 Months Ago
According to police and Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College sources, the student had lodged a complaint with the internal complaint committee six months earlier, alleging that a professor was demanding 'favors' and threatening to jeopardize her academic career if she refused. Although assured of action within seven days, nothing was done. She also registered a complaint with the internal committee, but again, no action was taken by the college administration.
The student claimed the teacher told her, 'Do me a favor, and I won't do anything with your attendance or your marks. We will benefit you.'
Upon which, the girl asked what kind of benefit?
The professor responded, 'You're smart enough to understand the kind of benefit I want from you. You shouldn't worry about anything.'
The Full Timeline of the Case
July 12 - A distressing incident where a B.Ed. student set herself ablaze within the premises of Fakir Mohan College occurred. She was admitted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar in a critical condition, with 90-95% burns.
July 13 - The head of the B.Ed. department at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College was arrested by the police.
July 13 - Principal Dilip Kumar Ghosh was taken into custody.
July 14 - According to police sources, during initial interrogation, the accused professor admitted jeopardizing the student's career under the guise of 'favors.'
July 14 - Despite being aware of the molestation, no action was taken, leading to the arrest of Principal Dilip Kumar Ghosh after several hours of questioning.
July 14 - In the morning, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the burn ward to assess the health condition of the girl who committed suicide.
July 14 - In the evening, President of India Droupadi Murmu, along with Odisha's Chief Minister, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Odisha’s Governor, visited AIIMS’ burn ward to monitor the girl's health status.
July 14 - At 11:54 AM, the hospital declared the girl's death, stating that severe burns resulted in her demise.
Following the incident, the Odisha government promptly took action. The Department of Higher Education set up a three-member committee, and a two-member team from the Crime Branch commenced an investigation. Professor Sameer Kumar Sahu was arrested on July 12, and Principal Dilip Ghosh was arrested on July 14. Both face charges under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 108 (abetment to suicide) and 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment), among others.
