Widespread grief and outrage erupted across Odisha after a college student died by suicide following alleged inaction on her complaint of sexual harassment. The student had filed a report against her department head on July 1. Her tragic self-immolation sparked an emotional and political firestorm, with accusations of systemic failure and administrative apathy.

Top leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging that the system “failed the girl”. Civil society groups, women’s rights activists, and student bodies held vigils and marches across major cities.

The Congress-led opposition has called for an Odisha bandh, demanding accountability, justice for the victim, and stronger action against harassment in educational institutions. The state government has ordered an independent inquiry, and the college principal has been arrested.

The incident has reignited debates around campus safety, the effectiveness of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), and the need for institutional reforms to protect vulnerable students.