A 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, sadly passed away on July 14 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, just three days after she set herself on fire.

Medical reports indicate that she sustained nearly 95 percent burns in a desperate protest against the lack of action regarding her sexual harassment complaint against a college professor. The incident occurred on July 12, when she attempted self-immolation outside the office of her college principal. She was quickly transported to the hospital, where she was placed on mechanical ventilation and received IV fluids, antibiotics, and kidney support.

Despite the medical team’s best efforts, she succumbed to her injuries late on July 14. “She was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM,” the hospital confirmed. Unable to endure the emotional strain any longer, the woman attempted self-immolation outside the principal’s office on July 12.

She received comprehensive intensive care, including mechanical ventilation, IV support, antibiotics, and renal therapy, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries late on July 14. “She was declared clinically dead at 11:46 PM on July 14,” the hospital confirmed. Her death has ignited widespread outrage and sorrow throughout Odisha, with increasing pressure on authorities to implement strict measures. The state government has vowed to ensure accountability. Here’s what we know so far about the incident.

What led to this tragedy?

The victim, a second-year B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, had reportedly been experiencing mental distress for weeks prior to her self-immolation. Her classmates claim that the harassment originated from Sameer Kumar Sahoo, the head of the Integrated B.Ed department, who had been sexually harassing her. According to fellow students, Sahoo repeatedly solicited sexual favors and threatened to undermine her academic future if she did not comply.

Despite the student lodging formal complaints with both the college principal and the local police, no substantial action was taken.

In a letter dated July 1, which was sent to the college’s Internal Complaints Committee and obtained by NDTV, she recounted her traumatic experience and urged the authorities to establish a disciplinary panel to take action against Sahoo.

“I have lost my mental peace and attempted suicide. If the college authorities fail to act in the future, I will take my own life, and the HoD along with the college authorities will be held accountable,” she stated in the letter.

On July 12, she participated in a protest alongside other students outside the college gates. According to her fellow students, during the protest, the girl suddenly stood up, ran towards the area near the principal’s office, and set herself ablaze. A male student who rushed to her aid also suffered burn injuries. The victim was quickly taken to Balasore Hospital and subsequently referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The shocking incident was recorded on CCTV and triggered immediate public outrage. Shortly thereafter, assistant professor Sameer Kumar Sahoo was arrested, and college principal Dilip Ghosh, who was initially suspended, was also taken into custody.

‘I could not recognise my daughter’

The student’s father, in an interview with NDTV, shared the heartbreaking reality of her condition before she succumbed. He revealed that 95 percent of her body had sustained severe burns, and she remained on life support until her passing on July 14. “I visited her today. I cannot recognise my daughter,” he expressed on Monday.

He also alleged that the college’s Internal Complaints Committee, along with the principal, had coerced them into dropping the case. “They warned me that if we did not withdraw, an FIR would be filed against me. They threatened that I would be arrested,” he claimed. The family is now seeking justice. Her father has called for the “harshest punishment” for those responsible, while her brother has stated he is willing to “go to any length” to ensure justice is achieved. Her body was returned to her hometown in Palasia, Balasore, on Tuesday for the final rites.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi pledges action, while President Murmu meets with the victim’s family. In response to the widespread outrage and protests, CM Majhi issued a firm statement, offering his condolences and promising action.

“I pray for the eternal peace of her departed soul. May Lord Jagannath provide strength to her family to endure this irreparable loss. I assure the family of the deceased student that all those responsible for this incident will face the harshest penalties under the law,” he stated in a post on X.

He further mentioned that he had instructed officials to take the necessary measures and emphasized that the state government supports the grieving family. Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida also visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to meet with the student’s family, showing her solidarity.

The day before, President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by CM Majhi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, visited the burn unit at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The President engaged in discussions with the medical staff regarding the girl’s condition and inquired about any additional measures required for her treatment,” Asutosh Biswas, executive director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, was quoted as saying in The Hindu.

In the meantime, opposition parties, including the BJD and Congress, have been protesting and holding the BJP-led state government accountable. Both parties asserted that the student was compelled to take such a drastic action due to the system’s failure to protect her. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also intervened, requesting a comprehensive report from the Odisha government regarding the case.