Bhubaneswar, July 13: Congress MLA Sofia Firdous has strongly criticised the Odisha government following a 20-year-old woman student's self-immolation attempt at FM College in Balasore over alleged unaddressed harassment. She accused the authorities of ignoring the student's repeated complaints and failing to ensure her safety.
Firdous demanded urgent reforms, including forming a House committee to probe crimes against women and appointing a State Women's Commission. "When even ABVP members aren’t safe, it raises serious questions about women's security in Odisha," she said.
The student, currently on ventilator support at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 95% burns, is in critical condition. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and other ministers have visited her, with Majhi stating that Delhi AIIMS doctors are being consulted and airlifting remains an option.
Meanwhile, the state suspended the college’s principal and an assistant professor. The National Commission for Women has taken suo-motu cognizance, directing a fair and time-bound probe and free medical and psychological aid for the victim.
Tags: prameyanews
