July 14, 2025

A 20-year-old student at a government college in Balasore, Odisha, sustained critical burn injuries after setting herself on fire following alleged sexual harassment by a teacher. The student, part of an integrated BEd program, attempted suicide after enduring prolonged harassment and institutional apathy. The incident occurred during a protest demanding action against the head of the education department. Witnesses reported that the student had complained of mental harassment, misbehavior, and threats to manipulate her academic performance. She had accused the department head of demanding undue favors and threatening to lower her grades if she did not comply with his sexual demands. The girl set herself ablaze near the college gate during a peaceful protest that had been ongoing since July 1. The male student who tried to save her also sustained burn injuries. The teacher was arrested, and the college principal, along with the accused, was suspended. The girl, with over 90% burns, was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for treatment. The incident sparked outrage among students who accused the college administration of negligence and mishandling of complaints. Although an internal committee was formed to investigate, students claimed bias and lack of transparency in the process. The principal, who stated that there was no conclusive evidence of sexual harassment, was suspended for failing to handle the matter appropriately. The accused teacher was suspended based on prima facie evidence and arrested for abetment to suicide attempt and sexual harassment. A forensic team is investigating the incident, with strict law and order maintained on the college campus.

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Tags: Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, Student protest,