'Different victim - same rot' TMC slams BJP after Odisha student self-immolates

A horrific incident has sent shockwaves across Odisha and drawn sharp criticism from political parties, as a college student in Balasore district set herself on fire after allegedly enduring repeated sexual harassment from her Head of Department (HOD). The young woman, a second-year Integrated B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, is now battling for her life with over 90 percent burn injuries, while a fellow student who tried to rescue her also sustained severe burns.

The tragic event unfolded on Saturday afternoon when the student met Principal Dilip Kumar Ghose to demand action against Assistant Professor Samira Kumar Sahu, who also served as her HOD. She had accused Sahu of demanding sexual favours and threatening to ruin her academic future if she did not comply with his demands.

Moments after her meeting with the principal, in a desperate act, she allegedly doused herself with kerosene and set herself ablaze on the college campus. The male student who bravely attempted to extinguish the flames suffered 70 percent burns in his selfless effort to save her. Both injured students were initially rushed to the district headquarters hospital and later transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced and critical treatment. A 12-member medical team is closely monitoring the woman's condition, which remains extremely critical.

The incident has ignited a political firestorm, with the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) launching a scathing attack on the BJP government. "Different day, different victim — same rot under BJP's watch," the Trinamool Congress posted on its official X handle, condemning the alleged lack of safety for women.

The TMC further intensified its criticism, stating, "The silence of Mohan Charan Manjhi (Odisha CM) is disgraceful, and the absence of any condemnation from PM Modi only reaffirms what we already know: ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ is a FARCE." This sharp political rhetoric highlights the national attention the incident has garnered and the demand for accountability.

Police have arrested Assistant Professor Samira Kumar Sahu on charges related to sexual harassment and abetment of suicide attempt, while Principal Dilip Kumar Ghose has been suspended for allegedly failing to handle the matter appropriately.