In the wake of widespread outrage and allegations of inaction, a two-member team from the Crime Branch has been assigned to investigate the suicide of a student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, Odisha. The 20-year-old student, who was pursuing a B.Ed, tragically died after setting herself ablaze on July 12, 2025, on the college campus, alleging sexual harassment by a professor and subsequent inaction on her complaints.
The Crime Branch's investigation follows immense public and political pressure, with opposition parties like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress demanding a judicial inquiry into the matter. The National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Women have also taken cognizance of the case. Separately, the Crime Against Women and Children Wing of Odisha’s Crime Branch of Police is also conducting an investigation.
The victim's family alleges that she was denied justice at every level, leaving her with no option but to end her life. They claim that the college principal pressured her to withdraw her complaint against the professor. Prior to her death, the student had reportedly approached various authorities seeking redressal for her grievances, but to no avail.
The incident has triggered a massive political controversy, with the opposition blaming the ruling BJP government for failing to ensure women's safety in the state. Protests have erupted in Bhubaneswar and Balasore, with BJD workers burning effigies of the Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister.
The accused professor, Samir Sahu, Head of the Education Department, and the college principal, Dillip Ghosh, have both been arrested in connection with the case. The principal was suspended on Saturday for failing to handle the matter properly and perform his duties. A local court has sent the principal to 14-day judicial custody.
President Droupadi Murmu visited the victim at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday, assuring her family of the best possible treatment. Despite intensive care, the student succumbed to her injuries late Monday night. AIIMS Bhubaneswar confirmed her clinical death at 11:46 PM on July 14, 2025.
The state government has ordered all colleges to ensure they have functioning Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) within 24 hours. This directive highlights the critical role of these committees in addressing harassment complaints and ensuring the safety and well-being of students. The case has brought the spotlight on the functioning of Internal Complaint Committees, which had been made mandatory under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
The tragic incident has raised serious questions about how educational institutions respond to harassment complaints and whether students, especially women, can feel safe and heard on their campuses.
