Bhubaneswar, July 15: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Tuesday expressed deep condolences over the death of female student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, who had attempted self-immolation on July 12 over alleged sexual harassment.
The student, who suffered more than 90 percent burn injuries and was undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, succumbed to his injuries late Monday night.
Taking to his official ‘X’ handle, CM Majhi said that despite the government's diligent efforts and the tireless work of the specialized medical team, the victim’s life could not be saved.
He also prayed to Lord Jagannath for the peace of her immortal soul and sought strength for her family to endure this irreplaceable loss.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of the victimized student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. Despite the government's diligent efforts and the tireless work of the specialized medical team, the victim's life could not be saved. I pray to Lord Jagannath for the peace of her immortal soul and seek strength for her family to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he wrote.
CM Majhi assured the bereaved family that all the culprits involved in this case would be punished severely according to the law.
“I assure the bereaved family that all the culprits involved in this case will be punished severely as per the law. Personally, I have instructed the authorities to ensure strict action. The government is standing firmly with the family during this difficult time,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida also expressed deep sorrow over the student’s death and prayed for the peace of her immortal soul. She extended his condolences to the victim’s family.
“Despite all efforts by the government and the medical team, his life could not be saved. I pray for his soul’s eternal peace and offer my heartfelt condolences to his family,” wrote Parida in a post on ‘X’.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described the incident as “heartbreaking” and reaffirmed the state government's commitment to ensuring justice.
“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of a student from Fakir Mohan Self-Governed College. Despite all efforts and prayers, we have lost the student,” wrote Suraj in a post on ‘X’.
“Meanwhile, the process of imposing the harshest possible punishment on the guilty has begun, in accordance with a policy of zero tolerance. We are making every effort to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future,” he added.
“Despite everything, what has happened was inevitable. I have no words to condemn such an incident. I pray to God to grant strength and courage to the grieving family members. Om Shanti,” said Suraj.
