BHUBANESWAR, July 16: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced a compensation of ₹2 million ($24,000) for the family of a college student who died after setting herself on fire in protest against alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint. The 22-year-old second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore died at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on Monday night after battling for her life for three days. She had suffered 95% burns following the self-immolation on campus last Saturday. The student had reportedly accused a professor of sexual harassment and resorted to the extreme step after authorities allegedly failed to take action on her complaint. “The Chief Minister has directed officials to ensure a thorough investigation and strict punishment for all those found guilty,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement. Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “Shattered to learn of the untimely loss of a young student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College,” he posted on social media platform X. “Her passing is not just a tragedy—it is a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard our campuses. The law will take its toughest course.” Police have arrested the principal and the head of the Education Department of the college in connection with the case.
The incident has triggered outrage across the state, with students and activists demanding accountability and stronger mechanisms to address harassment complaints in educational institutions.