A heartbreaking incident of a college student troubled by sexual harassment in Balasore district of Odisha has created a stir in the state. The student accused her head of department of repeatedly threatening to ruin her future demanding and refusing her. The administration has taken prompt action after an attempt to commit self -immolation in Balasore. The college principal has been suspended, while the accused Head of the Department has been arrested.
Student’s condition critical
According to reports, the second year integrated B.Ed. of FM Autonomous College, Balasore. The student, fed up with the harassment of Head of Department and Assistant Professor Sameer Kumar Sahu, set herself on fire. She has burnt more than 90 percent and his condition remains extremely critical. A fellow student trying to save him has also burnt up to 70 percent. Both are being treated in AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited
Seeing the seriousness of the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Dev reached AIIMS Bhubaneswar and met the student and her parents. Chief Minister Majhi said in a conversation with the media, ‘He is undergoing treatment at Bhubaneswar AIIMS. Right now the patient’s condition is very critical. The medical team is undergoing treatment … nothing can be said for the next 24 hours … We interacted with the family … We pray that they recover quickly. ‘
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Outrage among political parties
There are sharp reactions from political parties to this incident. The leaders of the BJD staged a protest against the incident in Balasore outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhubaneswar.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamta Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on the BJP government. TMC posted on its official ‘X’ handle, ‘Different days, separate victims – the same house under BJP’s rule. In Balasore, Odisha, a student was forced to set herself on fire after her head of department demands to have sex and wasted her future. She has burnt 95%. A fellow student trying to save him has burnt up to 70%. TMC further said, ‘Mohan Charan Majhi’s silence is shameful, and the lack of any condemnation from Prime Minister Modi only confirms the same thing we already know:’ Save daughter, daughter, read daughter ‘.
Principal accused of negligence
The college principal said that the student had come to him a few days ago with a complaint. He said, ‘She met me again at around 11 am on Saturday morning and was very upset. I called the teacher and talked to both sides. Shortly after leaving my office, we heard screams. ‘ However, the principal’s claim that “the internal grievance committee finds no concrete evidence of sexual harassment” is under question.
The Department of Higher Education clearly stated in the principal’s suspension order that he has failed to perform his duties as the principal of the college and has not been properly handled. He has also been stopped from leaving Balasore without the permission of the District Collector.
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Accused professor arrested, case registered
DIG (Eastern Range) Satyajit Naik has confirmed that the accused faculty member has been arrested. A case of attempt to commit suicide and sexual harassment has been registered against him. The suspension order of the accused teacher states that it is based on “prima facie evidence”.
A forensic team has visited the spot and a detailed investigation into the case is underway. Naik also informed that law and order is being strictly followed in the college campus.