The condition of the 20-year-old Fakir Mohan Autonomous College student, who attempted self-immolation in Balasore reportedly due to sustained harassment, remains critical at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Medical authorities confirmed on Monday that the patient is now undergoing dialysis due to significant kidney damage.
Doctors at AIIMS stated that her potassium levels had dropped to dangerously low levels, requiring the administration of vital micronutrients and vitamins. Continuous video consultations are being held with specialists from AIIMS Delhi as part of her critical care.
“She has suffered extensive organ damage, especially to her kidneys and lungs. We are monitoring her blood sugar and vitals round-the-clock,” said an AIIMS doctor, adding that the patient remains on advanced life support and intubation.
A 10-member medical team, comprising experts from anaesthesia, medicine, cardiology, pulmonology, burns, and plastic surgery departments, has been assigned for 24×7 monitoring and treatment.
Organ Failure Worsens Survival Prospects
AIIMS Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas reiterated that the student has sustained 90–95% deep burns. “Her respiratory and renal systems have been severely impacted. Despite all efforts, there has been no improvement in her condition,” he noted. Doctors have ruled out airlifting her due to the extreme risk involved in her critical state.
Government Probe Underway
Meanwhile, the Odisha government has launched a high-level inquiry into the circumstances leading to the incident. A three-member committee from the Higher Education Department is examining possible institutional failures and administrative negligence.
The college principal, Dillip Ghosh, and the accused Head of Department, Sameer Kumar Sahoo, have both been suspended. Sahoo, currently in police custody, faces allegations of prolonged mental harassment that allegedly drove the student to take the extreme step.
Efforts to ensure the best medical care and uncover the full extent of administrative accountability are ongoing as the case continues to generate widespread concern and public outcry across the state.