The tragic case of a 20-year-old Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student who attempted self-immolation in Balasore has ignited widespread political uproar across Odisha.
As the student battles for her life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the Congress and BJD have launched protests, demanding justice and accountability.
Congress Demands Judicial Probe, Announces Gherao
The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has intensified its campaign against the state government, demanding a judicial inquiry into the case and accountability for those allegedly involved in the harassment of the student.
Balasore Congress in-charge Sanjeeb Giri announced that party members will gherao the Balasore Collector’s office on Monday. “The principal’s inaction contributed to this tragic event. We are demanding immediate justice and institutional accountability,” Giri stated.
BJD Also Stages Protest, Seeks Stern Punishment
The Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) and Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) also held demonstrations outside FM College, calling for impartial investigation and strict punishment for those found guilty. Senior BJD leader Byomakesh Ray said, “The incident was a result of collective negligence. Those responsible for mental or sexual harassment must face the strictest punishment.”
Government Defends Swift Action
Balasore Sadar MLA and BJP legislator Manas Dutta urged political parties to maintain sensitivity and avoid politicising the tragedy while investigations are ongoing. He emphasized that the Odisha government responded promptly by arresting Head of Department Sameer Kumar Sahoo and suspending Principal Dillip Ghosh.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj reiterated that stern action would follow the inquiry’s findings. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Sunday to personally assess the victim’s condition and assured that the state government would leave no stone unturned in delivering justice.
The case remains under high-level scrutiny, with an ongoing probe by a special committee and increasing public and political pressure for comprehensive reforms in campus safety and harassment redressal mechanisms.
