Nearly three weeks after the shocking self-immolation of a girl student at FM College, the Odisha Crime Branch has arrested two male students — Subhra Sambit Nayak and Jyoti Prakash Biswal — in connection with the case.
The two were taken into custody late Sunday night on charges of criminal conspiracy and abetment of suicide, with investigators also probing whether their actions amounted to murder conspiracy. Both were produced before the SDJM Court in Balasore, where their bail petitions were rejected and they were sent to 15-day judicial custody.
Evidence Points to Direct Involvement
Crime Branch officials said forensic analysis, digital evidence, and eyewitness statements strongly linked the two students to events leading up to the victim’s drastic step.
Interestingly, Jyoti Prakash had previously claimed he was injured while trying to save the girl, but investigators now suspect that his rescue attempt may have been a cover to deflect suspicion.
Earlier Arrests of Faculty Members
This follows the earlier arrest of FM College’s B.Ed HoD Sameer Sahu and Principal Dillip Ghosh on charges of negligence and suspected complicity. Both remain in custody.
The Incident
On July 12, the victim reportedly poured petrol on herself and set herself ablaze inside the college premises during daylight hours. She was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar with severe burns but succumbed to her injuries a few days later.
The incident sparked statewide outrage. Students, activists, and civil society groups alleged systemic harassment, administrative apathy, and a toxic campus culture, prompting the state government to hand over the investigation to the Crime Branch.
Investigation Ongoing
With these latest arrests, the number of people in custody has risen to four. Officials say they are probing all possible angles, including harassment, psychological pressure, and faculty misconduct. More arrests have not been ruled out.
