Bhubaneswar, July 19: Udit Pradhan, President of the Odisha unit of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), on Saturday launched a sharp criticism of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), alleging the possible involvement of its members in the recent death of a college student who set herself on fire in Balasore.
The student had reportedly been subjected to prolonged sexual harassment by a teacher, and her complaints were allegedly ignored.
Pradhan further accused the state government of withholding CCTV footage related to the incident, suggesting it is being suppressed to shield those involved.
He claimed that ABVP members may have played a direct role in the incident, stating, “This is a clear conspiracy by ABVP. Being a political follower doesn’t mean someone holds power or authority, but everyone is saying it was ABVP members who gave her the petrol and matchsticks and even recorded the act. If their involvement comes to light, the government will fall. That’s why the footage is not being released.”
He also questioned ABVP's silence during the victim’s six-month struggle for justice.
“Where were the ABVP students when she was pleading for help? She had tweeted multiple times, tagging the Education Minister and the Chief Minister, yet no action was taken. If there’s truly nothing to hide, release the CCTV footage — let the country see the truth,” Pradhan said.
