Balasore student self-immolation: UGC forms probe panel after 20-year-old's death over alleged harassment

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has set up a four-member Fact-Finding Committee to probe the self-immolation and subsequent suicide of a female student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha’s Balasore district.

The panel will investigate allegations of harassment, assess the college’s compliance with anti-harassment policies, and recommend corrective measures, the UGC said on Tuesday.

The tragic self-immolation of a 20-year-old female student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, following alleged sexual harassment by a professor, culminated in her funeral on Tuesday at her village crematorium in Odisha's Balasore district.

The student, a second-year B.Ed. candidate, had accused Samira Kumar Sahu, Head of the Education Department, of sexual harassment. She set herself ablaze on the college campus on Saturday, reportedly due to inaction against the professor, sustaining 95 percent burns.

After battling for her life for approximately 60 hours, she succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday night. Her body was returned to her village after a postmortem examination.

Family pledges fight against daughter's perpetrators
Thousands, including BJP Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi and senior district administration officials, gathered as her cousin lit the funeral pyre. The community offered a tearful farewell to the woman, whom many saw as bravely fighting for justice against the alleged demands of her teacher.

Her father, tears streaming down his face, expressed his resolve: "My daughter has taught me to fight and I will continue it. I do not need the money or ex-gratia. I want my daughter back. Can the government give me back my child?" Her mother, when asked about her demands, could only utter, "Please forgive me. I am speechless."

Local residents are demanding stringent action against those responsible for her death. Villagers recalled her active role in the community, particularly during natural calamities like floods, where she assisted in evacuating women to safety. Many expressed disbelief that she would commit suicide, describing her as mentally strong and brilliant.

A former teacher remarked, "She was forced to commit suicide by setting herself on fire for being denied justice." Her grandfather and other villagers lamented that the government "failed" to provide her justice, despite her having approached various officials from local MLAs to Union ministers.

(With inputs from PTI)