​​​​​Rourkela, Dec 8: A tragic incident has unfolded in Odisha’s Rourkela, where a student from Sarbati Devi Women’s College, who had sustained 90% burns, succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at the IGH hospital on Sunday morning. The student allegedly set herself on fire due to harassment by her male friend.

Reports suggest that the student’s condition remained critical despite medical efforts, and she was battling for her life in the hospital before passing away. Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling visited the hospital on Sunday, where he met with the victim’s mother and discussed her treatment with doctors.

The incident occurred late on Friday night in the Lanjiberna area, while the victim’s family members were asleep. According to the Rajgangpur police, the victim’s friend, a 25-year-old man, was arrested in connection with the case. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and authorities have expressed concern over the growing number of harassment-related cases.

The tragic death has raised serious questions about the safety and emotional well-being of students, as well as the alarming impact of harassment and abuse. Local activists have called for stronger measures to prevent such incidents and to support victims of harassment, especially in educational institutions.