FM College student’s death: Odisha CM Mohan Majhi announces Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia

Bhubaneswar, July 15: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the female student of Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore, who attempted self-immolation over alleged sexual harassment and succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

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As per reports, the financial aid will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

Earlier today, CM Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of the female student and assured the grieving family that those responsible for this incident would face the strictest punishment under the law.

He further reassured the family that the government stands firmly by their side during this difficult time.

It is worth noting that the victim, a B.Ed student, attempted self-immolation on her college campus on July 12. 

She poured petrol and set herself on fire outside the principal's office, allegedly in protest of inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against the Head of the Department, Samir Kumar Sahu.

She sustained over 90 percent burn injuries and was initially rushed to Balasore Medical College before being transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.

Despite extensive medical interventions, including mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, she was declared deceased at 11:46 PM on July 14.

Before taking the extreme step, the victim had staged a sit-in protest near the college, demanding action against Sahu. She was deeply frustrated by the administration's alleged inaction despite having filed a formal complaint.

Following the incident, Samir Kumar Sahu, the Head of Education Department, was arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 108 (abetment of suicide) and Section 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment).

On Monday, the college principal, Dilip Ghosh, who had been suspended earlier, was also arrested in connection with the case.