Bhubaneswar, July 12: In a shocking incident from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha, the Head of the Education Department, Sameer Kumar Sahu, has been arrested and suspended following serious allegations of harassment that led a female student to attempt self-immolation. The college principal, Dilip Ghosh, has also been suspended in connection with the case.
The incident occurred on Saturday within the college campus, where the girl reportedly poured petrol on herself and set herself on fire in protest against continued harassment. She was immediately rescued by bystanders and rushed to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited the girl at AIIMS and assured her that strict action would be taken and justice would be served.
According to reports, the student had earlier filed a complaint on July 2, alleging that Sameer Kumar Sahu had been harassing her for the past eight months. She had also shared with media outlets that she had contemplated suicide due to the mental distress caused by the alleged harassment.
Following her complaint, the principal had assured an impartial investigation and appropriate action. However, with no immediate resolution, the situation escalated on campus. Students staged a protest (dharna) demanding justice, during which the girl attempted self-immolation.
After the incident, police reached the college campus and detained Sameer Sahu for questioning. The suspension orders for both the HOD and the principal were issued shortly afterward amid rising public outrage and student protests.
Tension continues to grip the college community as authorities promise a thorough investigation into the matter.
