Sambalpur: The Northern Range Police in Odisha has launched a drive aimed at preventing suicide and self-immolation across colleges in five districts. This initiative emphasizes mental health awareness, resilience-building, and outreach for helplines, with active involvement from police officials, educators, and community members.

According to the announcement, the five districts involved are Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Jharsuguda, and Sonepur.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Inspector General (IG) of Northern Range along with all district Superintendents of Police (SPs). It includes interactive sessions, counseling workshops, expert lectures, and information regarding available helpline services.

Police officials have stated that the campaign aims to enhance mental health awareness, foster resilience, and encourage students to seek timely professional assistance.

The Northern Range Police has urged college administrations, parents, and community members to work together in creating a safe and supportive environment for the youth.

In related news, on Tuesday, Odisha Minister Nityananda Gond clarified that the unfortunate death of a 13-year-old girl from Bargarh, who died after self-immolating, did not take place at school, and the cause remains uncertain.

He further highlighted the government’s dedication to ensuring girls’ safety in schools through Internal Complaint Committees and initiatives aimed at preventing such incidents in the future.

“The incident did not occur in the school. It happened behind her house. The reason for this is still unclear. Our government is committed to ensuring girls’ safety in schools. Internal Complaint Committees are established at the school level… The government will ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future,” he stated.

On Monday, a 13-year-old girl reportedly died after allegedly setting herself on fire in Bargarh, Odisha, according to police. The victim was taken to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

“An investigation is currently in progress, and in accordance with the law, appropriate actions will be initiated. Three to four teams have been established, and interrogations are ongoing… The girl has passed away, and her postmortem examination is being conducted,” stated Inspector General (Northern Range), Himanshu Lal.