Bhubaneswar, July 19: A fact-finding team from the University Grants Commission (UGC) arrived in Balasore on Friday to investigate the tragic death of a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who succumbed to burn injuries after an alleged self-immolation attempt on campus.
The student, reportedly subjected to prolonged sexual harassment by the college's Head of Department (HoD), had set herself ablaze on July 12 and sustained over 90% burn injuries. She was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she died on July 14.
Addressing the media, Professor Sushma Yadav, a member of the UGC team, said, "We have arrived today and have begun our investigation. We have reviewed documents, interacted with officials, and spoken to students. Our inquiry will continue tomorrow. As a fact-finding team, we aim to uncover the full truth and gather information from as many people as possible to help prevent such incidents in the future."
The incident has sparked political outrage across Odisha.
Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Pratap Jena criticized the state government's handling of the case. “Crimes against women are rising in Odisha. We demand a judicial inquiry into the matter. Instead, the government has initiated a Crime Branch probe headed by a DSP, which we strongly oppose,” he said.
Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das questioned Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi over the absence of an FIR. "The victim had reportedly approached a state minister for help, but no action was taken. Had she received support in filing an FIR, she might still be alive today," Das stated.
He further challenged the role of the Education Minister, Members of Parliament, and the Internal Complaints Committee, asking, “Do they have the courage to explain why no FIR was registered?”
Das accused the state government of failing to deliver justice and attempting to silence dissent. “We will not be cowed down. We will continue our fight for justice,” he declared.
In protest, Congress workers staged a demonstration by blocking railway tracks in Balasore, demanding accountability from the government.
