CPI(ML) Liberation has strongly condemned the tragic death of a second-year integrated B.Ed. student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore, who succumbed to severe burn injuries after attempting self-immolation on July 12. The self-immolation act was in protest against prolonged mental and sexual harassment by an assistant professor of the college.
According to reports, the student had filed multiple complaints with the college principal and the grievance redressal committee. However, the administration failed to take any action to ensure her safety or justice. On the day of the incident, instead of supporting her, the college principal allegedly pressured her to compromise with the accused, Sameer Kumar Sahu. Facing institutional apathy and deep trauma, she immolated herself in front of the principal’s office. She sustained 95 percent burns and was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she was declared dead late on the night of July 14.
CPI(ML) Liberation described the incident as a glaring example of the institutional failure in Odisha and a serious deterioration in the conditions of women’s safety and justice. The party demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and strict punishment for all those responsible, including college authorities who failed in their duty.
There are disturbing reports that the student’s death was not declared immediately, possibly in connection with President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Odisha on the same day. It has been reported that the autopsy was conducted at night, violating standard procedures, and that her body was sent to her village under suspicious circumstances.
The student was affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). According to reports, her family had earlier faced pressure from BJP leaders and the state administration to withdraw the complaint. They are now allegedly being offered a compensation of 20 lakh rupees and are under pressure to not pursue the case further.
CPI(ML) Liberation has called for intensified protests and urged democratic and progressive sections of society to stand with the victim’s family. On July 14, eight political parties including CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation and the All India Forward Bloc issued a joint statement demanding immediate judicial intervention. A candlelight vigil was held on the evening of July 15.
A statewide Odisha Bandh has been called by opposition parties on July 17 to demand justice for the victim and accountability from those in power.
