President Droupadi Murmu's Heartfelt Visit to Burn Victim: A Call for Justice
A Compassionate Gesture from the President
Bhubaneswar: On Monday, President Droupadi Murmu visited the burn unit at AIIMS Bhubaneswar to check on a 20-year-old college student who tragically set herself on fire due to alleged sexual harassment by a professor, as reported by officials.
During her visit, which was not part of her scheduled agenda, Murmu was present at AIIMS for the institution's 5th Convocation ceremony.
The student, enrolled in the second year of an Integrated B.Ed program at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, ignited herself on Saturday, citing a lack of action regarding her complaint against the professor.
Initially treated at Balasore District Headquarters Hospital, she was later transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for more advanced care after suffering 95 percent burns.
Before heading back to Raj Bhavan, the President took time to visit the burn unit.
Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, executive director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, shared with reporters, “The President visited the patient, who was on a ventilator. She inquired about the treatment and the student’s response to it. We updated her on the modern medical care being provided.”
Accompanying the President were Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Murmu also took the opportunity to meet with the patient's family, as noted by officials.
The student's brother recounted, “The President showed deep concern over the incident and was visibly emotional. She suggested we pray to Lord Jagannath and promised to do something for my sister once she recovers.”
Previously, the student had claimed that the head of the Education department had requested a 'favor' from her, which she refused, leading to mental harassment.
Despite bringing her concerns to the college principal, she faced inaction for 11 days before resorting to self-immolation.
Following the incident, both the head of the department and the principal were suspended and subsequently arrested.