A 22‑year‑old Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student in Balasore, Odisha, succumbed to her injuries and died on the night of July 14, 2025, at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after setting herself ablaze on campus over alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a professor. The student, who accused her Head of Department of repeated misconduct, filed the complaint on July 1 via the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), but saw no resolution even after eleven days.
She suffered burns over approximately 95% of her body and was placed on life support. AIIMS Bhubaneswar noted her condition remained unchanged, with critical organ damage requiring dialysis and infection control. An arrest followed swiftly: the HoD was first detained, and the college principal was arrested later for alleged negligence.
President Droupadi Murmu personally visited the hospital and met with medics and family, expressing concern and urging prompt justice. Concurrently, the NCW and Odisha Governor have demanded inquiries into systemic failures and compliance with ICC mandates. Opposition parties and student groups are protesting, calling for accountability and reforms to protect victims of harassment.
