Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday accused the BJP-led state government of “institutional betrayal” and “planned injustice” following the tragic death of a college student who self-immolated after allegedly facing sexual harassment and weeks of seeking assistance from authorities.

The 20-year-old B.Ed. student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore passed away on Monday night at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, three days after she set herself on fire on campus. The student had previously accused her department head of ongoing sexual harassment and had lodged complaints with both college officials and the police. However, it appears that no action was taken against the accused.

In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Patnaik directly held the BJP responsible for systemic failures that he asserted led to the student’s death. He elaborated on how she sought justice from various authorities, only to be disappointed. “It is even more troubling to consider how a failing system can take a life,” he remarked. “The most heartbreaking aspect is that this was not an accident, but rather the outcome of a system that chose silence over support.”

The former Chief Minister emphasized that the student’s death was not merely due to physical harm, but also the accumulated burden of official indifference.

“She did not lose her life solely because of physical injuries but also due to the negligence of the state government, which abandoned her in her time of need,” he stated. Describing the tragedy as “nothing less than institutional betrayal,” Patnaik demanded accountability from the highest levels – from the perpetrators to those who were complicit in the student’s suffering through their inaction.

ODISHA GIRL MURDERED BY BJP SYSTEM: RAHUL GANDHI

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also criticized the Mohan Charan Majhi government, labeling the college girl’s death as “an organized murder by the system.” Taking to X, Gandhi expressed, “The death of a daughter fighting for justice in Odisha is nothing short of a murder by the BJP’s system,” Gandhi.

That courageous student spoke out against sexual harassment — yet instead of receiving justice, she faced threats, torment, and ongoing humiliation. Those entrusted with her protection continually let her down.

He charged the ruling BJP with protecting the perpetrators and ignoring the call for justice. “This is not a case of suicide; it is a systematic murder orchestrated by the system.” The descendant of Gandhi also directed his criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that it was time for him to end his “silence” and ensure accountability.

“Modi ji, whether in Odisha or Manipur — the daughters of our nation are suffering, breaking, and perishing. And you? You choose to remain silent,” Gandhi stated. “The nation does not require your silence; it demands answers. The daughters of India deserve safety and justice.”

‘UNFAIR POLITICS’
In response to the criticisms aimed at the BJP government in Odisha, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Rahul Gandhi of exploiting a sensitive tragedy for political advantage.

“The unfair politics exhibited by Rahul Gandhi and Congress regarding the tragic situation involving Odisha’s daughter is profoundly regrettable,” Pradhan tweeted. “Transforming a serious and sensitive issue into a political tool showcases Rahul Gandhi’s narrow-mindedness.” He defended the BJP’s stance on women’s safety and justice, criticizing the Congress for “constantly looking for opportunities in every tragedy.”

The senior BJP official emphasized that the Odisha government was addressing the case with utmost sensitivity and committed to taking action. “The strictest measures will be enforced against the offenders; no one will escape justice.” Urging for restraint, he stated that Gandhi should apologize to the victim’s family for his “careless” comments.

According to students and officials, the woman had been experiencing mental distress for weeks, reportedly due to ongoing inappropriate advances and threats from Sameer Kumar Sahoo, Head of the Integrated B.Ed. Department. Classmates indicated that she had lodged formal complaints with both the college principal and local law enforcement.

An internal committee was ultimately established, but it is said to have made minimal advancements. The woman allegedly encountered the principal once more on Saturday, just prior to her self-immolation. She was first taken to Balasore district hospital and subsequently transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.