College student sets herself ablaze after sexual harassment complaint ignored; HOD arrested, Principal suspended

 

By Sumesh Rajan | July 12, 2025

Balasore, Odisha, INDIA: In a harrowing incident that has sparked statewide outrage, a young woman pursuing an integrated B.Ed programme at Fakir Mohan College in Balasore set herself on fire on campus after allegedly being subjected to repeated sexual harassment by her head of department (HOD) and receiving no action from the authorities despite multiple complaints.

The student, who suffered 95% burn injuries, is battling for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. A fellow student who attempted to save her also sustained 70% burns and is undergoing treatment.

The accused faculty member, Samir Kumar Sahu, was arrested on Saturday July 12 following the incident. Both Sahu and college principal Dilip Ghosh have been suspended by the state’s Higher Education Department based on prima facie evidence. “Strict action will be taken against all those responsible,” assured Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

Ignored Complaints and Institutional Apathy

According to sources and fellow students, the woman had submitted a formal complaint on June 30 to the college's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), alleging that Professor Sahu had repeatedly asked her for sexual favours and threatened to ruin her academic career if she did not comply. She also filed a police complaint on July 1.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, no concrete action was taken. The ICC allegedly submitted its report only on July 9, but notably did not make any recommendations regarding the alleged harassment. “The committee failed in its duty to protect the student,” a student activist said.

Students revealed that the woman was denied access to her classes and continued facing threats and mental pressure. On Saturday, while staging a protest outside the college gate with other students, the victim reportedly ran towards an area near the principal’s office, doused herself with petrol, and set herself ablaze.

A disturbing video shows the woman engulfed in flames, running through a corridor as stunned onlookers try to intervene. A student who rushed to help her caught fire himself and is now also being treated at AIIMS.

Principal Claims Due Process Was Followed

Principal Dilip Ghosh, who has since been suspended, said the student had met him earlier that day and claimed she was under extreme psychological stress. “She insisted I call Sahu to my office, which I did. Both were warned about the consequences if any of their statements were found to be false,” Ghosh said, adding that while Sahu denied the allegations, the student remained firm in her complaint.

However, Ghosh’s claim has not convinced protesting students, who say both the principal and the ICC failed to act with the urgency and sensitivity the case demanded.

Government Orders Probe, Forms High-Level Committee

Following public outrage and media scrutiny, the state government has ordered an inquiry. A high-level committee comprising senior officials and academicians has been set up to investigate possible negligence by college authorities.

Balasore Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad confirmed Sahu’s arrest and said that a special team has been formed to probe the incident. “We are collecting all related evidence and verifying the actions and timelines of the ICC and the college administration. Accountability will be ensured,” he stated.

When questioned about the delay in police action despite the July 1 complaint, Prasad explained that the police had followed up with the college’s internal committee, which had promised a report within five days. “When it wasn’t submitted, we pressed them again. Now, we are thoroughly examining the committee’s proceedings,” he added.

Student’s Condition ‘Extremely Critical’

Doctors at AIIMS Bhubaneswar have confirmed that the woman remains in an “extremely critical” condition with over 90% burns. A special medical team has been assigned to her care.

The incident has triggered strong reactions across Odisha, with students and rights groups demanding immediate reforms in how harassment complaints are handled in educational institutions.

This tragic case highlights once again the urgent need for accountability, gender sensitisation, and timely justice in India’s academic institutions—before more lives are destroyed by silence and systemic apathy.