Bhubaneswar, July 13: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has constituted an eight-member fact-finding committee to investigate the recent self-immolation attempt by a female student of Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore. The panel will be led by Meenakshi Bahinipati, president of the OPCC women’s wing. Congress MLA Sofia Firdous is among the members of the committee.
The student, who reportedly attempted self-immolation in protest against alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member, is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
In an official communication, the OPCC stated that the committee will visit the site of the incident in Balasore and submit a detailed report to the Pradesh Congress Office.
Earlier on Sunday, Odisha Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced that the state government would bear the full cost of the student’s medical treatment. He also confirmed that a high-level committee had been formed to look into the allegations and assured strict action based on its findings.
The Balasore Police have arrested Samira Kumar Sahu, an Assistant Professor at FM Autonomous College, in connection with the incident. He was produced before the court on Saturday. The state government has also initiated a separate inquiry into the alleged harassment case.
Tags: prameyanews
