Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to assess the condition of the female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore, who remains in critical condition after attempting self-immolation on campus.
The visit came hours after his return from New Delhi, signaling the government’s urgent response to the growing public outrage over the incident.
Addressing reporters at Biju Patnaik International Airport, CM Majhi stated, “The government is taking this matter very seriously. I am personally monitoring the situation and will ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Our administration will intensify measures to eliminate ragging and harassment from all educational institutions.”
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj had earlier met the student’s family and doctors at AIIMS. The student, who set herself ablaze near the principal’s office, continues to be on ventilator support with 90–95% burns and severe internal injuries. AIIMS Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas confirmed that her condition remains extremely critical, and the next 24–48 hours will be crucial.
To ensure expert care, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has constituted an eight-member specialist panel comprising doctors from critical care, nephrology, pulmonology, surgery, and anaesthesiology for round-the-clock monitoring.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked significant political and public reaction. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has written to Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, urging his intervention in his role as Chancellor of state universities. Opposition parties, including BJD and Congress, have launched protests in Bhubaneswar demanding immediate institutional reforms and justice.
The state government has already suspended the principal and head of the concerned department, with a high-level investigation underway to determine the institutional lapses that may have led to the tragic incident.
