FM college student death: Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik expresses grief, demands Governor's intervention

Bhubaneswar, July 15: Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of the female student from Balasore FM College, who had allegedly faced sexual harassment and institutional neglect. Extending heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, Patnaik strongly criticized the state's failure to respond to the student's repeated pleas for justice.

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In a scathing statement, Patnaik described the incident as a grim consequence of a failed system. "This is not an accident—it is the outcome of a system that chose silence over support," he said. "It is heart-wrenching that a young life was lost after battling alone for justice."

According to Patnaik, the student had courageously written to the college principal detailing the sexual harassment she endured. Despite the letter, no action was taken by the college authorities. Undeterred, the student reached out to senior officials, including the Higher Education Minister, the Chief Minister’s Office, and even a Union Minister. She also reportedly met the Balasore MP in person to share her distress.

"Had even one responsible authority intervened in time, this tragedy could have been averted," Patnaik said. He further accused the state government of negligence, stating that the student's death was not due to physical harm alone, but also due to institutional abandonment. "Her lone struggle for justice was met with silence. What happened is nothing short of institutional betrayal—a calculated injustice."

Calling for accountability, Patnaik said not just the college administration, but those in power must also be held responsible. Highlighting the repeated inaction despite the victim’s desperate appeals, he demanded immediate intervention from the Governor to ensure justice is served.

The case has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha, with calls growing louder for an impartial investigation and systemic reforms in handling cases of harassment and student safety.