Congress-led opposition parties have called for an Odisha bandh on July 17, as grief and outrage poured in from all quarters over the death of a girl who had set herself on fire after her complaint against a teacher accused of harassment was ignored on the campus of FM Autonomous College in Balasore.
Odisha Student Sets Herself on Fire Over Harassment Case
A college student in Odisha set herself on fire after allegedly being denied justice in a sexual harassment case. The incident has sparked massive protests by the BJD student wing demanding a CBI probe. The student remains in critical condition. | Video Credit: The Hindu
Taking to social media platform ‘X’ early on Tuesday, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the death of a daughter seeking justice in Odisha amounts to murder by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led system and this courageous student spoke out against sexual harassment, but instead of receiving justice, she was met with threats, harassment, and relentless humiliation.
“Those who were supposed to protect her were the ones who broke her spirit. As always, the BJP system shielded the accused — and pushed an innocent girl to the point where she set herself on fire. This is not suicide; it is a murder orchestrated by the system,” Mr. Gandhi said.
He questioned ‘silence’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying whether it was Odisha or Manipur — daughters of the country were burning, breaking down, and dying. “The country doesn’t need your silence — it needs answers. India’s daughters need protection and justice,” said Mr. Gandhi in a hard-hitting message.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in similar line saying, “it is even more disturbing to think how a failed system can take someone’s life. The most painful part is that this was not an accident, but rather the result of a system that remained silent instead of helping. Struggling for justice, the girl ultimately closed her eyes.”
“With great courage, she had written to the college principal, informing them about the sexual harassment she had faced. Even after being ignored by the college authorities, she did not give up. To seek justice, she reached out to the Higher Education Minister, the Chief Minister’s office, and even a Union Minister. She also personally met the Balasore MP to share her plight,” elaborated Mr. Patnaik.
Stating that if even one person had taken responsibility and intervened personally, he pointed out perhaps the girl’s life could have been saved.
“She did not lose her life solely due to physical trauma but also because of the negligence of the State government, which left her alone in her struggle. The entire sequence of events reveals that this is nothing less than institutional betrayal—a planned injustice,” said the veteran leader.
Governor, CM condole untimely loss
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said he was shattered to learn of the untimely loss of a young student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College.
“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. Those responsible will face uncompromising punishment,” he said.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said despite the government fulfilling all responsibilities and the relentless efforts of the team of specialist doctors, her life could not be saved.
“I assure the family of the deceased student that all those guilty in this case will face the stringent punishment as per the law,” Mr. Majhi said.
Earlier, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das along with leaders of Left parties held a press conference and expressed their deep anguish over the death of the girl.
“We have called for an Odisha bandh on July 17 demanding judicial inquiry and safety of women,” said Suresh Panigrahi, State Secretary of CPI (M).
Meanwhile, last rites of the girl who succumbed to burn injuries hours after President Droupadi Murmu visited her at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday evening were performed in Bhogarai area of Balasore district. Mr. Murmu was in AIIMS, Bhubaneswar to address the 5th convocation ceremony of the institute.
