Odisha Police have arrested individuals, include ABVP Odisha joint secretary in self-immolation of a college student in Balasore. The 20-year-old’s suicide was prompted by the institute’s inactivity on her sexual harassment complaint against a senior member.
ABVP leader Subhat Sandeep Nayak and Jyoti Prakash Biswal allegedly involved, while B Ed student set herself on fire outside the Principal’s office at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in early July, officials said on Monday.
Police arrest ABVP Odisha joint secretary
The student, who sustained 90 % burn injuries, succumbed to her injuries on July 15, two days after the incident. It cause extensive outrage and political tensions in Odisha.
According to the police, the student took the extreme step after her repeated proceedings towards the Head of Department (HOD), Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, disregarded by the college administration, led by Principal Dillip Ghose. She accused Sahoo of involve in sexual activities, threatening her with educational repercussions, and led her to mental harassment.
Justice delivered to 20 Year Old student in Odisha
The police investigation revealed that the woman killed herself immediately after a meeting with the Principal. It is claimed that she was ashamed and was forced during the meeting to withdraw her complaint. Her family said in the FIR that the Principal informed her she will pressurized to suicide if she did not retract the allegations.
Both the Principal and the HOD arrested and suspended from their posts. Now, ABVP Odisha joint secretary also arrested. The incident has triggered a political tensions, with opposition events assigning responsibility to the government and accusing them of trying to cover up.
Read also: Real Kerala Story, Aadujeevitham Snubbed at National Awards 2025