A tragic incident unfolded at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, Odisha, where a 20-year-old female student allegedly set herself ablaze on campus. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2025, after the student had met with the college principal, Dilip Ghosh. She had previously lodged a sexual harassment complaint against the head of her department, Samir Kumar Sahu, and was demanding action against him.

The student, a second-year student in the Integrated B.Ed program, had been protesting for a week, demanding action against the accused teacher. According to reports, the head of department had repeatedly asked her for sexual favors and threatened to ruin her academic career if she did not comply. She had filed a complaint with the college's internal complaints committee (ICC) on July 1, alleging that Sahu had been asking her for "favours" and threatening to destroy her career if she did not. Though assured that action would be taken within seven days, no action was taken.

On the day of the incident, the student and her classmates were protesting outside the college gate. Witnesses say that she suddenly ran to an area near the principal's office, poured petrol on herself, and set herself on fire. A CCTV grab showed her running ablaze in a corridor of the college. A fellow male student who attempted to rescue her also suffered burn injuries.

The female student sustained 95% burn injuries and is in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The male student who tried to save her suffered 70% burns and is also undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The incident has sparked outrage and protests on the college campus. Police have detained the accused teacher, Samir Kumar Sahu, and registered an FIR against him on charges of sexual harassment and abetment to suicide. The college principal, Dilip Ghosh, has been suspended by the higher education department for failing to take action on the complaint.

Odisha's Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has condemned the incident and assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty. He also stated that a high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the matter.

Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi stated that the student had approached him with her complaint and shared that she was contemplating suicide. He claims to have advised her against taking such a step and assured her that she would get justice. Sarangi also questioned the accountability of the college's internal inquiry committee.

This incident has brought to light the issue of sexual harassment in educational institutions and the importance of timely and appropriate action on such complaints. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of internal complaint committees and the support systems available for students who experience harassment.